South Lanarkshire councillors have welcomed the decision to implement warm spaces across the area to help those struggling with the cost of living.
At the full council meeting, a motion proposed by Councillor Julia Marrs and seconded by Maureen Chalmers was presented to elected members.
The proposal called for the council to make public buildings such as libraries and community halls available to enable every community to have access to a ‘warm bank’ in recognition of the rising cost of living crisis.
Council leader Joe Fagan proposed to change the wording of the ‘warm banks’ to ‘warm welcome initiative’’ to avoid any stigma.
He said: “I want to recognise the spirit in which this motion has been brought forward and the severity our communities could face this winter.
“The council has been considering the case for warm banks and how the council partners could create warm spaces.
“I propose the council commit to developing a warm welcome initiative, which uses stigma-free language.”
Councillor Marrs agreed with the change of wording, and said: “This is not a time for scoring political points, it’s to ensure people can heat and eat and survive winter, I’m happy to incorporate the wording.”
Provost Margaret Cooper said: “This is a difficult and challenging time for our constituents across South Lanarkshire and I’m delighted that the full council today has got behind the motion with the slightly amended wording.”
The plans will allow people to have safe spaces to go to, heat up, get a drink or a meal and have access to advice and support.
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