Newport council has announced a number of locations around the city which will be used to help those struggling with their energy bills. Residents who are struggling with heating and other essential bills or loneliness are being urged to come to one of the venues over the winter to keep warm, meet others and have a hot drink for free.
The warm hubs in Newport are located in both council-run and other buildings and include community centres, churches, libraries and pubs. The council said it was aware of more than 20 buildings open to residents during the week across the city and has offered grants to organisations in a bid to see more spaces opened up as warm hubs.
Gas and electric costs are now around 95% higher than what they were last winter, despite the UK government introducing its energy price guarantee in September. Households are currently availing of a £400 discount off their energy bills across six months while other support is available to groups such as pensioners and those with disabilities.
