Lanarkshire politicians have asked the UK government to do more in helping to mitigate the crippling energy price rises faced by households.
Astronomical rises in gas and electricity could leave families freezing this winter, unable to turn on their heating or severely limiting its use, as temperatures plummet.
Residents struggling to heat their homes may be forced to find respite from the cold in “warm banks”.
Lanarkshire Live revealed earlier this month that a number of local authorities, including South Lanarkshire Council (SLC), are already considering using public buildings - such as libraries, community centres, and town halls - as warm spaces.
This would allow people struggling to heat their homes a place to go and get a heat - North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) is not yet “actively” considering plans to introduce such spaces.
Lanarkshire Live this week approached politicians representing constituents in Wishaw and Motherwell for their views on what can be done.
Ms Gallacher, Central Scotland region MSP, told us: “I fully appreciate how hard it is for many families and businesses struggling with continued increased costs.
“The UK Government have stepped up and provided £1,200 worth of support to those on the lowest incomes as well as £400 off for everyone on their energy bills.
“However, it is clear whoever becomes Prime Minister will need to do more and I will be pushing to ensure that further support is delivered.
“The SNP must also fully use the powers they have at their disposal. Instead, they are shamefully spending £20m on a referendum people do not want as people struggle with rising bills.”
SNP’s Clare Adamson MSP labelled the situation “disgraceful”, while party colleague Marion Fellows MP called for parliament to be recalled to tackle the “Tory-made cost of living crisis”.
And Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay described the rises as “devastating”.
It was revealed this week that inflation is now running at its highest rate for 40 years; 10.1 per cent - with the cost of food and everyday essentials rocketing and set to rise further in the coming months.
Cornwall Insight, a top management consultancy in the energy, utilities and environmental sector, recently predicted that the price cap coming in October will leave households in Scotland, England and Wales faced with an average bill for gas and electricity of almost £3600 a year.
The consultancy firm expect that prices will rise even further to a predicted £4200 at the start of 2023, but these prices could still be lower than those that actually transpire.
Another report from consultants Auxilione revealed that the January estimate may be even higher, around £4650, and that the average household annual bill could be an eye-watering £5456 from April 2023, after gas prices spiked again.
Gallingly, the steep rises that could leave many families with a choice between eating and heating come at a time when energy companies are posting “unprecedented” profits.
SLC recently revealed it has plans for Warm Space schemes, which are at an early stage, and could utilise its buildings as places where people could go to get a heat, to help mitigate hardship.
NLC recently introduced an online resource to help residents cope with soaring cost of living.
The one-stop information page on the council website signposts residents to practical help to claim the benefits they’re entitled to, save on energy costs, apply for clothing and free school meal grants, and manage their money.
It also includes links to external help organisations such as Citizens Advice Scotland and Money Support Scotland.
Although the local authority, as yet, is not planning on using its buildings as warm spaces.
A NLC spokesman told us: “We are not actively considering this idea at the moment but the council will be identifying ways to help residents with increasing living costs over the coming months.
"A new online budget tool and advice page is available on our web site to help residents get practical advice and support.”
For more information head online.
*This story was amended on August 23 after a comment was made available by Ms Gallacher.
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