Liverpool Council is at an 'emergency planning' mode for the cost of living crisis, with calls for 'warm hubs' to be created around the city to protect people through the winter.
City residents are already battling huge energy bills and soaring inflation, but there are fears that another big rise in bills in October could push many over the edge.
Liverpool Council bosses have told the ECHO they are now at an 'emergency level' across departments as they try to plan for the growing crisis. This includes looking at how council buildings may have to be used to help people through the winter.
READ MORE: 'Everything is a struggle’: Merseyside in crisis mode as winter challenges loom
Deputy Mayor Jane Corbett, the council's cabinet member for tackling poverty said: "We are now at an emergency level at the council. We are pulling everything together that we can with all our partners. We are looking at every angle at the moment. We are looking at all of our council buildings to see how we can use them if needed.
"The priority is of course making sure people are safe and warm in their own homes, but if this is not possible, we of course have to look at all options."
Cllr Corbett hit out at the government for a lack of clarity about how it will help people this winter. She added: "The government has a responsibility to keep its citizens warm and safe but there is no overall plan in place. There are bits and pieces but that makes it so hard for us as a council to plan for."
She added: "We welcome the fact that the voluntary and faith sectors are already stepping up to help - but those sectors should not be expected to pick up where the government is failing."
Already, National Museums Liverpool has said it will welcome people into its buildings this winter to keep warm. Director of National Museums Liverpool Laura Pye said: “As energy costs continue to rise, we’re aware that many people will be struggling to make ends meet over the coming months. Our museums and galleries are public spaces, so the comfort of our visitors is of the upmost importance to us."
At a meeting of the full council this week, there will be further discussions about the potential need for 'warm banks' to be created across Liverpool.
A motion from the city's Green Party will read: "The council notes, with increasing concern, the emergency situation that residents and businesses throughout the city face, as the cost of living crisis deepens and energy bills soar. Council calls upon the Government to take urgent action to provide assistance to those who are in crisis to protect the wellbeing of our citizens.
"In addition, however, the council also recognises the important role that it plays in bringing together various organisations in tackling poverty and related issues in our communities.
"Council therefore requests the Mayor, Cabinet and Senior Management Team to work with all relevant organisations in developing a series of warm banks / hubs in appropriate buildings, to enable those in need to seek sanctuary from the deteriorating situation as winter approaches."
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