Nottingham punters could end up using pubs, cases and restaurants as 'warm places' this winter as the Cost of Living crisis continues. We spoke to people in Nottingham City Centre who said they might look changing their habits if they struggle to afford increasing energy prices.
It comes as news that official ‘warm rooms’ could be introduced in some parts of Nottinghamshire to help people that can’t afford their heating. ‘Warm rooms’ could be introduced in community spaces such as libraries acting as hubs for people who are struggling. Despite Nottinghamshire County Council voting against a motion for it to hold warm rooms, other councils within Nottinghamshire are said to be considering plans. The NG11 foodbank based at the Hope Centre in Clifton also plans to host one at its own faculty.
Under the government, there is a Warm Home Discount Scheme. With the scheme you can get a discount of up to £140 on your energy bill if you’re on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme.
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People in Nottingham city centre shared their views on using alternative options Mandy Crossman, 65 is now retired. Mandy goes to the Joseph Else Wetherspoons in the Market Square frequently. Mandy, from Mapperley, added: “At the pub [Wetherspoons] you can get cheap refillable coffee. It’s only £1 something.
“If you’re struggling, which most of us are and you have £1 and a bit of change, would you sit at home or would you come to the warm pub? I can just about afford things and I’ve worked all my life, when I go out I’m not spending heaps but you can’t stay in all day, it’ll drive you crazy.
“If things got so bad to the point where I can’t afford my heating if I needed to, I would sit in the pub all day and drink coffee.”
Mandy continued: “It’s so bad that this is what things have to come to: councils deciding on warm rooms for people.”
Collin Marshall, 49, a part-time handyman who lives in the city centre, said he feels like pensioners are one of society's most vulnerable groups right now.
He said: “If you go into Wetherspoons, the John Lewis Cafe and places like that, it’s a lot of elderly people you’ll see. Yes, some are there for a drink but others are there because they can’t afford much and at Wetherspoons you can get a meal and a drink for under a tenner.”
Collin continued: “I can understand why people are resorting to it. There’s a social aspect, you don’t have to burn your own energy and get a warm drink down you.”
The new energy price cap £2,500 came in from October 1. But some people feel that cap is still too high.
Retired John Barwell, 73, of Clifton, said people using hospitality venues to keep warm is inevitable.
He said: “It’s going to happen. People will go to cafes more instead of cooking.
“I’m surprised at how much help the Government’s been giving, the offer has been there. Before Covid, when the NHS was struggling where was this money? I say bring back the 60s.”
Independent Nottingham city centre bar and restaurant Fat Cats, in Chapel Bar, has noticed a slight increase in trade.
Last year, Fat Cats helped the University of Nottingham’s football team hand out free school lunches for children. Worker Jonathan Soans, 21, said: “All over the world, there’s a recession coming, it is starting to get busier, people come in for breakfast and food.
“Last Friday, I noticed it getting busier too.”
Kate Rivett, the assistant manager at the restaurant, does think that there might be a surge in customers. Kate, 27 said: “It may be something we see, we do have regulars and people have commented about how warm it gets.
“We do serve tea and coffee too so people may come in for that more often.”
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