State pensioners being sent Warm Home Packs after £300 Winter Fuel Payment cut

Thousands of households have been handed free energy saving gadgets that can slash energy bills by £200 a year. Residents in one council area in England are being gifted the "Warm Home Packs" this winter amid the Cost of Living crisis.

Wandsworth Council says the packs could help residents save up to £200 on their energy bills. These free packs, available to eligible residents, are designed to help households reduce energy bills by as much as £200 a year and make homes more comfortable during the colder months.

It could particularly help state pensioners who've lost £300 Winter Fuel Allowances from the Labour Party government and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This year, we have expanded the programme to reach even more residents, ensuring vital support reaches those who need it most. Mike, a Wandsworth resident who picked up his pack today, said: “My place is very draughty. The house was built in 1905. Some of the windows are rotting and letting in draughts so whatever I can do to minimise that if it gets cold would be good. I’m most excited about the draught excluders and light bulbs.”

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Elaine, another local resident, said: “When you put the heating on, you don’t get the benefit, and it costs a lot of money. Last winter, I had no money, no electricity, and no gas. I had to put on a woolly hat and gloves to keep warm.”

Each Warm Home Pack contains energy-saving measures such as LED light bulbs, radiator foil, and draught-excluding tape, which can significantly reduce home energy costs. Cllr Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "We know that this winter will be tough for many residents, which is why we’ve introduced an even more generous support package this year.

“By expanding the eligibility criteria and providing tailored interventions for some households, we’re committed to ensuring every resident who needs help can access it. We know that warm homes and sustainability come hand in hand.

"These Warm Home Packs play the vital double role of keeping more money in our residents’ pockets this winter, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of individual homes by capturing energy that would otherwise be lost.”