Free slow cookers for lowest-income households in Swindon

The pilot scheme is delivering the energy-efficient machines to help 60 people who are going to be hit hardest by October's energy price rise.

Compared to conventional ovens, it is more cost effective to make meals using slow cookers to, which cost 18p to run for eight hours - only slightly more than a lightbulb.

Neighbours at some of the supported housing schemes in Swindon benefitted from dedicated slow cooking demonstrations from the local authority's supported housing officers, which helps the residents make the most of their cookers and share recipe ideas.

Coun Cathy Martyn is Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for health inequalities and housing.

She said: “The slow cooker pilot scheme is a practical way to help those residents who are most impacted by the rise in energy, food and other living costs.

“The initial response we’ve had from residents has been so positive that we are looking at how we can roll this out further across the Borough.

‘’I‘d urge residents to check the council’s website for the latest on the help and support available if they or someone they know is struggling with living costs.”

The borough council gave 60 free slow cookers to low income households

Jade Legg, a supported housing officer for one of the schemes, said: “We are basing our demonstrations on both cost and nutrition and so far residents are enjoying the results.

“We’ve cooked lots of different meals using the slow cookers – rhubarb pie, chilli and spaghetti are some of the favourites so far.”

The council bought the slow cookers using money from the second £1.5 million portion from the government’s Household Support Fund, which was allocated to Swindon between April and September 2022.

This funding is also paying for food and energy vouchers for eligible families and pensioners, as well as covering the costs of the council’s Emergency Assistance Fund and free activities and healthy meals during the school holidays as part of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme.

The Household Support Fund is being allocated to charities in the area, including the Swindon Food Collective, Boxes of Hope at the Gorse Hill Baptist Church, the Swindon Night Shelter and Swindon Gorse Hill Salvation Army.

The council also suggested tips to save water: Put the washing machine on when there's a full load, cut down on utensils and cups, turn the tap off when brushing your teeth, clean your car with a bucket and sponge.