Warm Home Packs are back: Supporting residents through winter

These free packs, distributed in partnership with CREW Energy, are designed to help households reduce energy bills by as much as £250 a year and make homes more comfortable during the colder months. Packs include items such as draught excluding tape, a smart plug, and a shower timer. 

An event was held at Wandsworth Town Library on 25 September, where over 150 eligible residents collected their Warm Home Packs.

Alongside the packs, residents can also book a free home energy visit, where an expert will assess their home's energy efficiency and provide tailored advice to help reduce energy costs. Residents can also get further energy efficiency measures during the home visit, like dehumidifiers, air fryers and infrared heating panels. 

To book a free home visit, please email: info@swleap.org.uk 

Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “As colder weather approaches, we know that rising energy costs continue to be a serious concern for our residents across the borough. That’s why we’ve teamed up with CREW Energy to provide warm packs and home energy visits at no cost for the third time in a row.

“By offering free home energy visits alongside our warm packs, we’re not just helping residents to cut down on energy costs now, we’re empowering them with tailored advice to make their homes more energy efficient, affordable and healthier.

“This means warmer and greener homes, not just for this winter, but for the long term. It’s a practical way we are supporting residents now, while helping to build a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Roger, a trained chef from Balham and a recipient of the pack last year, said: “My Wandsworth Council warm home pack has been a life changer for me.” As part of the programme, Roger also had a home visit from a member of the team for advice and further financial assistance to support him. 

Local Wandsworth organisation Little Village joined in the afternoon to offer expert advice and distribute high-quality, pre-loved children’s winter coats. An NHS immunisation officer was also on hand to provide guidance on vaccinations for children and adults ahead of the winter season. 

Claire Ellaway, Referrals Manager for Little Village, said: “We provided 50 quality pre-loved coats for children aged 0–5 as part of our Winter Warmers appeal. This will help ensure that babies and young children in the borough stay warm and comfortable through the colder months. We’re thrilled to partner with Wandsworth Council on this Warm Home Pack event as it reflects the heart of Little Village - families helping families with love and care so every child has the chance to thrive."

This year, we plan to distribute 1,500 warm home packs across the borough, with an estimated total cost savings of up to £375,000 for residents. 

Armelle Lee, CREW Energy advisor, said: “We’re really pleased to be working alongside Wandsworth Council once again to ensure our local community can stay warm and well in the coming months. 

“Utility bills remain well above pre-crisis levels, making affordability a real concern for many households. The Warm Home Packs and our free home energy visits provide valuable support for households looking to stay warm this winter. Even simple steps, such as blocking draughts and bleeding radiators, can make a real difference to comfort and managing bills.” 

To be eligible, residents must have an EPC rate of D or below and be on a low income. If you haven’t received a letter and think you may be eligible, speak to staff at one of the collection hubs or contact us at: togetheronclimatechange@wandsworth.gov.uk. 

The collection hubs are: 

• Tooting Library (75 Mitcham Rd, SW17 9PD)
• Roehampton Library (2 Danebury Ave, SW15 4HD)
• Battersea Library (265 Lavender Hill, SW11 1JB)
• Battersea Park Library (309 Battersea Park Road, Battersea, London, SW11 4NF) 
• Wandsworth Town Hall Reception (The Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PU) 
• Wandsworth Town Library (9 Courthouse Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4QG) 

Find your EPC certificate on the Government website. 

More support available for residents

As part of the council’s broader commitment to fairness, eligible residents can get 50% to 100% discounts on a wide range of services through Wandsworth Council’s Access for All programme, Britain’s best concession scheme. Apply for Access for All. 

For more information on how to get tailored financial support, visit our Cost of Living hub.