Warmth banks could be set up across a UK county this winter to help those struggling to heat their homes. As reported by Cornwall Live, community groups and charities are looking to set up spaces where people can go to keep warm as energy prices continue to rise.
As well as using community buildings as warmth banks, there are also talks of extending opening hours at Cornwall's centres and libraries. Jayne Kirkham, councillor for Falmouth and Labour group leader on the council, said it is something that is being discussed by the voluntary sector all over the county.
“We still don’t know if Liz Truss will freeze energy bills for people. Setting up these warmth banks is about preparing for the worst case scenario,” Cllr Kirkham said.
"This is a terrible situation we’re in that in 2022 Britain we have to have food banks and warmth banks and that we have to plan for this as a community. We’ve had a few months when nothing has been going on really and no decision has been taken by the Government so we had to plan for October and November.”
She has put a motion to Falmouth Town Council asking that the local authority better coordinates food bank provision between Falmouth and Penryn. And she called upon the council to commit to food justice and appoint a food justice champion to lead on tackling food poverty locally.
Lib Dem Cornwall councillor Thalia Marrington, who represents Newlyn and Mousehole, said a similar motion, put forward by Cllr Jan Power (Green Party for Penzance East) was adopted unanimously by Penzance Town Council. She said: “It’s feeling frighteningly like we’re getting more Dickensian day by day.”
Cornwall councillor for Threemilestone near Truro, Dulcie Tudor added: “I’m looking into warmth bank and food banks in Threemilestone. Actually I can’t believe I’m having to do this in 2022. It’s beyond scandalous.”
Artists Marie-Claire Hamon fears setting up warmth banks absolves the Government of taking action themselves. Commenting on Cllr Kirkham's post on her Facebook page, she said: “Although it’s a great thing generally to help desperate people, am wondering if this isn’t exactly what this government is hoping for.
"If people are fed and kept warm at the expense of charities, it absolves the government of the duty of honouring it’s social contract while avoiding rebellion on the streets. Meanwhile people dependent on charities feel disempowered and lose their sense of human dignity.”
