Council sets aside money for Norfolk Community Foundation to run warm banks amidst cost of living crisis

Funding has been secured to establish a series of warm banks in Norfolk, offering refuge to families unable to pay their energy bills this winter.

Norfolk Community Foundation has been given £220,000 by Norfolk County Council for the maintenance of Community Hot-Spots – public buildings for freezing residents unable to keep the heating on at home.

Claire Cullens, chief executive of the Norfolk Community Foundation, said: “The funding Norfolk County Council is making available for communities via the Norfolk Community Foundation is critical and much welcomed.

“It will help us to build a network of community hotspots providing warm places across the county for people to come together.”

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council added: “Recognising the need for local interventions and the role of voluntary and community organisations, the county council is providing Norfolk Community Foundation with £220,000 towards the cost of running or establishing a Community Hot-Spot that gives a warm welcome to the whole community, in particular reaching those who are vulnerable or have been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.”

The fund will be divvied up into grants of up to £2,000 each, which will go towards the running of the hot-spots. It not yet known where in the county they will be or when they will open.

The warm banks will be the first of their kind in Britain as the country braces itself for unprecedented hikes in the cost of gas – fuelled in part by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Other parts of Britain, such as Dorset, have already opened their doors and more are expected to pop up in the weeks and months ahead.

The funding is part of a multi-million pound package unveiled this week, including £7.9 million into the Household Support Fund, which will offer food vouchers and emergency financial support to residents.

Andrew Proctor, leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “The county council has invested heavily over the last 12 months and is committed to the continuation of vital support to Norfolk households this winter.

“We know that some of our residents face financial challenges this winter, with the massive increase in the cost of living, particularly rising energy costs and food prices.

“This extended package of investment will help those most in need to access additional support over the winter months, including help with energy and water costs.”