Council chiefs have been urged to keep public buildings open every day in winter so Renfrewshire’s vulnerable can stay warm.
Emergency proposals have been drafted that could, if agreed, see local authority halls and community centres offer space for residents to heat up.
The measures have been put forward as the worsening cost-of-living crisis inflicts severe financial pressure on people in the area.
Food bank staff are already concerned soaring energy bills could leave people “freezing and sitting in darkness” as the cold weather looms just around the corner.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
The opposition Labour group, who have already called for a special summit to coordinate action, prepared a motion that has been submitted to the council for consideration ahead of a crunch meeting at the end of the month.
They note the “unprecedented increase” in fuel costs and the “dramatic effect” this will have upon the well-being of Renfrewshire residents in the months to come.
“Worst affected will be our most vulnerable residents, families with young children, disabled residents and the elderly relying upon their state pension,” the motion continues.
The party’s elected reps suggest that from Thursday, December 1, until Tuesday, February 28, council-run halls and community centres open to the public and provide designated areas for them to visit and keep warm at no cost.
Councillor Iain McMillan, the group’s leader, hopes such an initiative could go on to have a ripple effect and see others volunteer spaces to provide respite for people who are struggling.
He said: “I don’t think we can underestimate the extent of the damage that this crisis could cause.
“There may well be announcements of support from governments to come — it’s a very fast moving situation — but our group feels this would be a good idea. Along with the summit that we proposed, this would mean we have a coordinated approach to the crisis.
“People would, hopefully, be made to feel welcome. They might stay for a cup of tea or coffee for an hour or two and if their heating is not on for two or three hours during the day, that might be a saving.
“It might mean they can put it on at night, they can put the tumble dryer on or use the cooker for a meal. You wouldn’t have to have every single hall open 24/7, it could be 40 hours a week across a number of facilities.”
Last month, the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee — a task force formed to focus support for those affected by the crisis — had its first meeting.
The local authority is expected to discuss its response at the Leadership Board next week, before doing so at the full meeting on Thursday, September 29.
SNP council leader Iain Nicolson has said “a range of carefully considered measures” will shortly be put forward by the administration.
He revealed this would include “a programme of investment” during the winter period, which would help people connect with one another in their communities “in a welcoming place”.
Councillor Nicolson said: “Helping our communities with the cost of living crisis has been a priority for my administration and we have been working on how we help support people with the challenges they are facing, including the cost of energy bills.
“I recently visited Active Communities in Johnstone and we have been talking to a range of community groups about how best to tackle this issue and will shortly be proposing a range of carefully considered measures including a programme of investment over the winter period that helps support people to connect with each other in their local communities in a welcoming place.”
Download the FREE Renfrewshire Live app now for all the latest news, features and sport in your area. Available on both Android and Apple. Download here: smarturl.it/RenfrewLiveSocial
