Skip to main content
CommunityFamiliesNationalNews and viewsParliamentPortsmouthSenior Citizens

People in the South East forced to turn to over 1,100 ‘warm banks’ to cope with cost of living crisis

By 22 February 2023No Comments

Nearly 13,000 ‘warm banks’ have opened across the UK to support the millions of low-income households who cannot afford to heat their homes, according to new figures obtained by Labour.

Freedom of Information Requests and analysis of district, borough and county councils reveal there are at least 12,834 warm banks in the UK. In the South East, the figure is 1,190.

Warm banks are public spaces that anyone can visit in order to keep warm and have been opened by local councils, community organisations and faith groups. The surge in warm banks comes amidst a fuel poverty crisis:

  • the Energy Price Cap for the average household is set to rise by £500 in April 2023 to £3,000.
  • 6 million households are estimated to fall into fuel poverty from April 2023, and 3 million low-income households currently cannot afford to heat their homes.

Labour has announced plans to reduce energy costs and insulate homes, saving households up to £1,400 off their annual bills, not just for one year, but for years to come.

This would be paid for by bringing in a proper one-off windfall tax on energy giants and spending that on a package of support for energy bills. 

Commenting, Stephen Morgan, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, said:

“I thank local groups and those involved in community facilities in our city who are stepping up to support the most vulnerable in the absence of government support, but it shouldn’t have to be like this.

“Labour would bring in a proper windfall tax to stop the energy price cap going up in April, insulate millions of homes, and save Portsmouth families hundreds on their energy bills for years to come. That is the action local people deserve”.

Portsmouth has a number of warm spaces thanks to the actions of Portsmouth Labour councillors and support from the city council.

To find friendly, warm spaces in your local community where you can meet others, take part in activities, get a warm drink or meal, or spend some quiet time away from your home visit www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-support/cost-of-living-hub/warm-spaces/