A number of 'cost of living cafes' will open in libraries across Nottingham to offer people financial advice over a hot drink. Labour-run Nottingham City Council says its libraries will open as usual during the winter months, including for use as 'warm banks' for those struggling to pay their energy bills.
The council has also confirmed it will be hosting a series of 'cost of living cafes' at specific community spaces in the city. Anyone in need of warmth, a hot drink as well as financial and housing advice may attend.
The plans come amid soaring inflation and rocketing household bills, which have helped push the UK into near-recession and millions of people into fuel poverty. A Nottingham City Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "As ever, our city libraries are open to all and will remain safe, accessible and warm places this winter.
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"People will always be welcome, even if just to get out of the cold for a bit. To provide further help to residents, we're running 'cost of living cafes' to offer advice on financial matters, housing support and general well-being over a hot drink.
"The next two will be at the Dales Centre on November 16 and Radford and Lenton Library on November 23, both starting at 2pm." The Save Nottingham Libraries campaign group had been calling on the council to keep open Radford-Lenton Library, Basford Library and Aspley Library, arguing they may be needed for use as 'warm banks' in the coming months.
The three libraries had been under threat of closure, but on November 7 the Nottingham Labour group voted to keep them open, making clear the wishes of the ruling political party on the council during a private meeting at Loxley House. A formal decision will now be made at the end of November during a public council meeting.
In addition to the 'cost of living cafes', the council will also be offering advice sessions from its library network. The spokesperson added: "Similar support is also available through the 'Just Ask' community hubs which run from Monday to Friday at Bulwell Riverside Library, St Ann's Valley Library and Chase Neighbourhood Centre, plus shortly from Hyson Green Library in the Mary Potter Centre. These sessions are being delivered in partnership with the resident development team."
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