Some Nottinghamshire councils say progress is being made on establishing 'heat banks' that would be used by people who can't afford their energy bills this winter. Ahead of a rise in gas and electricity costs this October, the concept of heat banks has emerged as one of the ways in which authorities could support people who won't be able to cope.
The scheme would see public venues such as libraries being available for people to use throughout the day for warmth. Many Nottinghamshire councils have said that work is now progressing on setting heat banks up, but some have said that the policy shouldn't be needed and that the government should instead do more to help people with paying their bills.
Professor Aoife Nolan, a Professor of International Human Rights Law at the University of Nottingham, said: "If we've got a situation in a rich country where heat banks are in use, then that is a warning sign that the government is not doing what is required to give effect to human rights. Leaving all of that aside, in many instances people are not going to be able to sleep in heat banks.
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"So as well as being nothing more than a stop gap, they're not a particularly good stop gap because people are still going to have to go home to cold houses where their rights are at risk. What all this says about the Westminster government is that we've not seen adequate action to protect the most vulnerable."
It is understood that discussions will be taking place at Nottingham City Council in the coming days on the subject of heat banks, although Broxtowe Borough Council says it currently has no plans for them. But many other councils are now actively looking into setting heat banks up.
Councillor Rachel Madden, the Executive Member for Health at Ashfield District Council, said: "Ashfield District Council has declared a cost of living emergency to support residents through this current crisis. We are calling for an immediate reduction in the energy price cap and the needs of our most vulnerable residents does need to be addressed urgently – this includes the possibility of creating 'heat banks'."
A spokesperson for Newark and Sherwood District Council said: "We have set up a working group to explore what is needed to support residents, tenants and businesses through the cost of living challenges and will share our proposals once finalised."
In a report to be presented to councillors at a meeting on Tuesday, September 6, Bassetlaw District Council says: "Work is in hand to look at venues across the district for possible warm spaces, what additional support these could provide and how the council can support this initiative."
David Evans, the Head of Health and Communities at Mansfield District Council, said: "At the moment we are gathering together information on possible resources and places that could be used in this way. It is still something we are considering taking forward but no decision has yet been taken on this."
A Rushcliffe Borough Council spokesperson said: "The council will work with and support partners as necessary should organisations create warm banks in Rushcliffe. We're aware of the ever increasing focus on the cost of living for all residents and will continue to update our dedicated webpage with the latest advice and support."
Professor Aoife Nolan added: "In terms of supporting people, we have not seen the same level of action in this country as we have in countries with comparable levels of economic development. If we're in a situation where the government has the money to provide more support but it is choosing not to do so, then that is definitely problematic from a human rights perspective.
"This is not about the government doing good or being charitable, the government voluntarily signed up to be bound by international human rights law. The UK is up before the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights over the next year or so and they are likely to conclude that the government has failed to give effect to human rights."
The outgoing Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has previously said that the public can expect more help with their energy bills from his successor, who has now been confirmed as Liz Truss. Ms Truss has promised to "act immediately" on the cost of living crisis when she officially takes residence in Downing Street on Tuesday, September 6.
Ms Truss added that details of a support package will be unveiled within a week of her taking office. Nottinghamshire County Council and Gedling Borough Council have also been contacted for comment.
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