Across the borough, many people are feeling the pressure of rising costs – from heating homes to putting food on the table.

That is why Ealing Council and its partners have stepped up efforts to make sure help is on hand when residents need it most.

That could mean support with household bills, access to warm community spaces, help getting online or receiving a hot meal. The council’s website also has a handy cost of living section dedicated to providing advice and useful links.

Easing the burden

The council’s support scheme for council tax is one of the most generous in London, offering up to a 100% discount for households on the lowest incomes. Thousands of residents rely on this lifeline every year to stay on top of essential bills, and the support sits alongside other financial help, including council tax discounts, exemptions and emergency assistance.

You can use the council’s online benefits calculator to check what support you might be eligible for.

Money back in residents’ pockets

A wide range of cost of living help is already reaching those who need it most. That includes:

£2.8million in pension credit successfully secured for older residents, helping thousands boost their weekly income

using benefits data to identify low-income families, under-5 households and care leavers who may need extra support, and providing them with supermarket vouchers to help with food and essentials at key points in the year

These payments make sure people aren’t left struggling alone – and continue to play a vital role in helping residents manage rising food, energy and household costs.

Thames Water discount: help without the hassle

The council has worked with Thames Water to help eligible residents automatically get discounts on water bills that they are entitled to, without the need to fill in any forms or make online applications.

Since November 2025, 810 households have been identified and received a lower than usual bill. Together, these households are now saving £379,628 a year – an average of £469 each.

Meals that make a difference

The council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme has helped around 4,000 children in the borough each year by offering them access to free activities and a meal during school holidays. This support helps ensure that those in receipt of free school meals don’t miss out on healthy food and fun during the main school breaks, at Easter, Christmas and the summer. And it gives parents and carers get a break too.

If your child gets free school meals, make sure you bookmark the Ealing HAF web page and, in the run-up to the 2-week Easter break, take a look at what’s available.

Help to stay warm, safe and supported

With energy prices still high, the council’s Healthy Homes Ealing service offers free, practical advice to help people save money and keep their homes warm.

Residents can receive tailored guidance on energy use, get help identifying grants for home improvements and, if needed, access a ‘green doctor’ visit which provides personalised energy-saving advice – and sometimes free devices or other measures to help cut bills.

This early help keeps people safe at home, reduces fuel debt risks and ensures vulnerable residents aren’t left in the cold.

A warm welcome across the borough

Along with many of its voluntary and community partners, the council has opened its doors to provide warm and welcoming spaces across the borough during the colder months. This offers somewhere safe, heated and friendly for residents to spend time if they need it.

But these places offer far more than warmth – many also run activities, offer advice, and create supportive communities. Residents come for company, a hot drink, and support ranging from help with letters to mental health guidance.

Warm spaces have become a lifeline, especially for those facing isolation, difficult choices about heating, or just needing to see a friendly face.

Find your local warm space on the Do Something Good website.

Connecting residents to opportunity

Nowadays, being able to get online is increasingly essential for managing bills, finding work and staying in touch – but there are still residents who lack access to devices or data. The council’s digital inclusion initiatives are changing that.

Through a combination of community grants and the council’s ReKlaim project:

• 1,100 recycled devices have been refurbished and redistributed to digitally excluded residents
• 240 laptops and 100 free 12 month data packages have been provided to unemployed residents needing digital access

This support helps people get online, build skills, access benefits and take part fully in modern life.

Help to stay afloat — and connected

Councillor Steve Donnelly, the council’s cabinet member for inclusive economy, said: “No one in the borough should feel they have to face cost of living challenges on their own. We are doing everything we can to make sure residents get the support they need, when they need it. From putting money back into people’s pockets, to offering warm spaces, food support and practical help with energy bills, this is about dignity, security and giving everyone in our borough the chance to get through these tough times with confidence and hope.”

If you’re worried about the rising cost of living, visit the council’s website for advice, support and information – and to make sure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.

And, when you have 5 or 10 minutes to spare, use the online benefits calculator to check what support you might be eligible for.