We understand you may be avoiding putting your heating on, but a cold house can affect your mental health. 

It is important for older people or those with health conditions, such as asthma, to stay warm.

Try to keep at least one room, such as your living room or bedroom, warm.

Warm Home Discount

You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.

You’ll usually get the discount automatically if you’re eligible. 

If you might be eligible, you’ll get a letter by early January 2024.

You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible. Contact your supplier to find out.

For more information, visit Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Help for Households

Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living here: Help for Households - Get government cost of living support

Tips to stay warm

  • Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts. Tuck your curtains behind the radiators to help keep heat inside.
  • Food helps to keep your body warm so have regular hot food and drinks.
  • Wear several layers of warm clothes to trap heat between the layers (instead of just one chunky layer)
  • Wearing a hat as well as a scarf around your neck and mouth can help protect you this winter. Breathing in cold air could increase your chance of chest infection and increase your blood pressure.
  • Keep moving if you can, as this will help keep you warm. Try not to sit for more than an hour, get up and walk around, make a hot drink and spread housework throughout the day.
  • If you’re sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide a lot of warmth. Try to keep your feet propped up, as the air is cooler at ground level. Hot water bottles are also very good a keeping you warm, but please use a cover and place over a blanket on your knees.
  • Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by furniture or curtains.
  • Use a timer and heat your main living room to around 18 to 21ºC (64 to 70ºF) and the rest of the house to 16ºC (61ºF).