As the temperatures drop, many people across Hull may be worrying about how to stay warm this winter, especially with energy costs still high and household budgets stretched.
Hull City Council and partners want residents to know help and support is available to help keep warm, reduce energy bills and access emergency help if needed.
Whether you are worried about heating your home, need help with energy debt, or simply want to understand how to make your home more efficient, the Hull Warm Homes team is here to help.
Hull City Council’s Warm Homes team offers free, expert advice and practical support to residents who are struggling with heating costs or living in cold damp homes.
It can:
- Help you access grants and funding for insulation, boiler replacements or heating upgrades
- Support you with energy efficiency advice tailored to your home
- Assist with energy debt and link you to further support services
- Offer advice on switching tariffs or suppliers (if beneficial)
- Refer you to additional cost of living support where needed
The service is open to all, and those who are older, disabled, living with long term health conditions, or on low incomes often find it especially beneficial.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council said: “We understand that keeping warm throughout the winter is a real concern for many residents, especially with ongoing pressure from high energy costs.
“Our Warm Homes team is here to provide practical, tailored support to help residents stay safe, warm and well.
“From helping people access grants and heating improvements, to offering advice on energy use and support with fuel debt, we are focused on making a difference to the people who need it the most.
“We want residents to know that they are not alone, there are trusted services available and even small changes can have a big impact.
“If you are struggling or unsure where to start, please get in touch.
“A conversation with our team could open the door to the help you need this winter.”
It is not always necessary to spend a lot to make a difference.
The Warm Homes team can also provide energy saving tips that work, including:
- Replacing old or inefficient bulbs with energy‑saving LED bulbs
- Closing curtains before it gets dark
- Lower your heating by just 1°C – for comfort and health, and keep your thermostat at 18°C or above
- Only heating rooms you are using
- Reducing hot water use with low-flow shower heads
These small actions when combined can help bring down your bills without compromising comfort.
Mr M, a 78-year-old retired resident in Hull, below, who has recently used the Warm Homes service to help access a grant for a heating upgrade, said: “Our home is now comfortable and warm.
“We’re able to heat our whole house much better now and I feel much more confident about winter knowing we have had a new boiler fitted.
“Within two weeks of applying, the Warm Homes team had confirmed I qualified, the boiler had been installed, and it cost me nothing!
“My health is no longer being worsened by a cold home, and I feel happy knowing we don’t have to worry about relying on our old boiler keeping us warm and well.
“I was really worried before finding out about the support the Warm Homes team could offer.
“I would definitely recommend the Warm Homes team to others. I’m really pleased with the whole process and the support received, especially as I didn’t know such a service was available!”
If you are falling behind on your gas and energy bills, don’t ignore it.
Contact your supplier and explain your situation, as they may offer payment plans or hardship funds.
The Warm Homes team can also help refer you to services that may offer fuel vouchers, emergency top ups or even support with pre-payment meters.
In addition to home-based support, Hull’s network of Warm Spaces continues this winter offering free, welcoming places across the city where you can stay warm, meet others and access further support.
From libraries and community centres to faith spaces and family hubs, there are options throughout Hull.
To contact the Warm Homes team:
CALL: 01482 612 908
EMAIL: warmhomesteam@hullcc.gov.uk
VISIT: Hull’s Customer Service Centres or Community Hubs.
There’s also lots of help and advice available via www.hullwarmhomes.org.uk
You can find out more about venues that are offering Warm Spaces this winter via the Your Hull Maps section of the www.hull.gov.uk
Select ‘Warm Spaces’ in ‘Local Information’.
To find out more about Cost of Living support visit www.hull.gov.uk/costofliving