Cllr Samara Barnes, of Rossendale council in Lancashire, said the idea was “discussed” by the local authority. A number of municipalities have already set up similar schemes, announcing funding for organizations that want to offer space.
A similar ‘warm room’ system created by Gateshead council is also in its infancy, a spokesman said. The council is currently seeking organizations to apply and is offering a £500 grant for volunteers.
“There is a cost of living crisis in the UK, resulting in unprecedented pressure on people already living in poverty,” the council said in a statement.
“This winter, despite government support, thousands of people in Gateshead will be forced to make tough decisions about when and what to eat, what to do in life and when they can afford to heat their homes. “
Bristol City Council said it would set up “warm places” for those who struggle to heat their homes. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees made a plea for support from “everyone in town” with a warm space during a cabinet meeting.
Mr Rees said: “It almost sounds like wartime, but we will be working with community organizations and partners in the city to set up warm places for people to go if they need to, in the fall when people need to turn their heating on again. “
Religious groups have also taken steps to support families struggling to heat their homes. Earlier this year, Holy Trinity Church in Bungay, Suffolk tried a “warm rooms” arrangementin which residents gathered at church to socialize and, in some cases, donate food.
Linda Bailey, the organizer behind the plan, said: “People may be too proud to ask for help, but being kindly welcomed here will give them the support they need.”
Annual energy bills are expected to rise another 50 percent before the end of the year. Analysts at Cornwall Insights now expect the price cap to rise to £3,244 a year in October, before rising again to £3,363 in January.