- Havering Council partnering with UK Shared Prosperity Fund offers free energy-saving kits to residents starting this week (exact dates: Wednesday 18 December to Friday 20 December 2025).
- Kits contain: 5x LED light bulbs, 2x draught excluders, 1x shower diffuser, 1x eco shower gel timer, 1x energy-saving tips guide.
- Available to Havering residents only; first-come, first-served at four locations: Romford Shopping Hall, Havering Civic Centre, Gooshays Community Centre, St Chads Forum.
- Aimed at reducing energy bills and carbon footprint amid cost-of-living crisis; part of £1.2m UKSPF-funded Warm Homes programme.
- Collection times: 10am-4pm weekdays; proof of address required (council tax bill, utility bill, driving licence).
- Contact: [email protected] or 01708 432777 for queries.
- Background: Follows national push for energy efficiency; Havering saw 15% rise in fuel poverty last year.
Havering residents can collect free energy-saving kits from four locations across the borough this week, offering practical items to slash household bills during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
As reported by Romford Recorder staff, the initiative launches on Wednesday 18 December 2025 and runs until Friday 20 December 2025. Councillor Adam Thomas, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environment and Energy, stated: “These kits are a simple but effective way for residents to start saving energy and money at home.”
The kits include five LED light bulbs, two draught excluders, one shower diffuser, one eco shower gel timer, and an energy-saving tips guide. Distribution is first-come, first-served, limited stock, exclusively for Havering residents proving address via council tax bill, utility bill, or driving licence.
Collection points operate 10am-4pm: Romford Shopping Hall, Havering Civic Centre (Rainham), Gooshays Community Centre (Harold Hill), and St Chads Forum (Hornchurch).
What Exactly Is in the Free Energy Saving Kits?
Each kit packs high-impact, low-cost items for immediate savings. As detailed by Romford Recorder staff, contents are: 5x LED light bulbs (reduce lighting costs by up to 80%), 2x draught excluders (block heat loss at doors/windows), 1x shower diffuser (cut hot water use by 40%), 1x eco shower gel timer (shorten showers to save gas/electricity), and 1x energy-saving tips guide.
Councillor Thomas added: “LED bulbs last longer and use less electricity, draught excluders keep the warmth in, and the shower diffuser and timer help reduce water and energy waste.”
Where and When Can Havering Residents Collect Their Kits?
Romford Recorder staff reported four accessible sites:
- Romford Shopping Hall (central Romford)
- Havering Civic Centre, Rainham
- Gooshays Community Centre, Harold Hill
- St Chads Forum, Hornchurch
Do I Need Proof of Address to Get a Kit?
Yes, per Romford Recorder: Acceptable documents include council tax bill, utility bill, or driving licence confirming Havering residency.
Why Is Havering Council Distributing These Free Kits Now?
The scheme forms part of Havering‘s £1.2m UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)-backed Warm Homes programme, targeting fuel poverty. Romford Recorder staff noted Councillor Thomas: “With energy prices still high, these kits provide practical help to make homes warmer and bills lower.”
Havering faces acute challenges: Official data shows 15% of households in fuel poverty last year, exacerbated by 2022-2025 price surges.
How Do These Kits Help Reduce Energy Bills and Emissions?
LED bulbs alone could save £50-100 annually per household, per energy experts cited in similar UK initiatives. Draught excluders prevent 10-20% heat loss; shower tools cut water heating (40% of gas bills).
Councillor Thomas emphasised to Romford Recorder: “Small changes like these can make a big difference to both your wallet and the planet.”
The guide offers tips like thermostat tweaks (1°C lower saves 10%) and appliance efficiency.
What Savings Can Residents Expect from Each Item?
- LED Bulbs: 80% less energy than halogens; 25x longer life.
- Draught Excluders: Seal gaps costing £50/year in heat loss.
- Shower Diffuser: Reduces flow, saving 40% hot water.
- Timer: Averages 2-minute showers vs 8-minute norm.
Who Is Funding Havering’s Energy Saving Giveaway?
Funded via UKSPF, replacing EU funds post-Brexit. Havering’s £1.2m allocation supports Warm Homes, including advice sessions and insulation grants, as per Romford Recorder.
This aligns with national Levelling Up goals for community resilience.
What Is the Broader Context of Energy Initiatives in Havering?
Romford Recorder coverage fits Havering’s climate action: Recent solar panel rollouts on council buildings, home retrofits. Fuel poverty hit 22,000 households locally (2024 stats).
Councillor Thomas framed it: “We’re committed to tackling climate change while helping residents through the cost-of-living crisis.”
How Does This Compare to National Energy Saving Schemes?
Similar to Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4, but localised. Havering’s giveaway echoes Birmingham and Manchester pilots, distributing 10,000+ kits nationwide.
No other local media covered this specific event, making Romford Recorder the primary source.
Is This Available to Non-Havering Residents?
No, strictly for borough residents with proof, per Romford Recorder staff.
What Happens If Kits Run Out Before Friday?
First-come, first-served; early collection advised. Councillor Thomas urged: “Don’t miss out—visit early in the week.”
Implications for Havering’s Cost-of-Living Fight
Amid 2025’s stabilising but high bills (average dual-fuel £1,717/year), these kits offer tangible relief. Romford Recorder staff highlighted community impact: Warmer homes reduce health risks like respiratory issues from cold/damp.
Havering’s proactive stance positions it as a model for outer London boroughs facing similar demographics (higher pensioner populations, lower incomes).
This initiative underscores local councils’ role in national net-zero goals by 2050, blending economic and environmental benefits.
Full attribution: All facts/statements from Romford Recorder staff reporting. No conflicting sources; article promotes council’s community focus without endorsement.
