One of the big outrages of the last decade has been the rise of food banks across the UK. They used to be a rarity, but are the most glaring symbol of the inequality that scars the country.
Now a similar phenomenon seems to be taking hold – the emergence of so-called “ warm banks ”. These are places of warmth people on low incomes can go to without switching on their heating. Hot food, clothes and vouchers can also be provided by the volunteers who run them.
On one level the rise of warm banks is a reflection of the sky-high energy costs families are struggling to pay. While multi-national energy giants rake in huge profits, the vulnerable shiver in cold homes and are fearful of using their gas or electricity.
