The number of warm banks being set up in Scotland could soon equal the number of food banks.
In a damning indictment on the cost-of-living crisis, at least 216 have been opened by councils across the country in libraries, leisure centres and church halls as people face mounting heating costs. There are 244 formally established food banks across the country, with many more operating informally in places like church halls.
Some of the warm banks will even offer hot showers and access to washing machines as well as food and hot drinks. Horrified campaigners said it was now an indication of the scale of poverty facing the country. Sabine Goodwin, from the Independent Food Aid Network which runs 124 food banks in Scotland, said: “The scale and rapidity of the establishment of warm spaces across Scotland is deeply concerning, despite the admirable efforts involved in responding to immediate need.
“A plan to end the need for food banks will shortly be published by the Scottish Government. It is disheartening to see that a plan to end the need for warm spaces will need to be added to the equation.
“We need to see adequate and targeted cash-first support for people struggling to pay for essentials and, at the very least, benefit level increases in line with inflation.”
The Sunday Mail surveyed all of Scotland’s 32 local authorities to ask how many warm banks they had set up. Of those who replied, numbers showed there were at least 216 already operating in Scotland.
Twelve councils said they were currently making plans to open warm banks – meaning the final number will be much higher. Aberdeen City Council, which has so far created 26 warm banks, said it had also opened one community centre which has access to a washing machine and others where people can have a warm shower.
The council with the highest number is North Lanarkshire, where 46 have been set up in libraries and community centres. There are another 80 planned with local groups. A spokesman said: “We are doing everything we can to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis and have identified 46 council community facilities which will be developed to provide support services.
“In addition, we are working in close partnership with around 80 local community organisations to help them to enhance the services they provide, such as providing safe warm spaces for people to go and get a warm drink and a friendly chat. The council recently agreed to support these groups by providing £450,000 in funding to enable them to develop the services they provide.”
Scotland’s biggest council, Glasgow, has 30 in a network of council buildings, while Edinburgh is to announce their own next month. Fife Council has at least 14 while Inverclyde has 20, with many more planned.
Scottish Labour finance spokesman Daniel Johnson said: “This is a shameful sign of the dangerous heights this cost-of-living crisis has reached. Every level of government should be doing what they can to bring down bills and support families dealing with rising costs. But sticking plasters alone aren’t enough. Food and heat banks do essential work but it is a scandal that they are needed.
“We need real leadership to tackle this crisis head on and get spiralling bills under control – and that means getting rid of this failing Tory government.”
Liberal Democrat spokesman for Scotland Christine Jardine MP said: “Frankly, it’s a tragedy that in the 21st century services like this are becoming necessary. More and more people are being hit hard by sky-rocketing bills with virtually no support available.”
SNP energy spokesman Alan Brown MP said: “The horrifying rise of these warm banks brings to light the disastrous legacy and impact of 12 years of disastrous Tory governance and austerity. It seems the Tories at Westminster, not content with having overseen the grim rise of food banks up and down the country, want to add warm banks to their shameful record.
“This should shame the UK Government, or what’s left of it, into action – but it should never have gotten to the stage where warm banks are needed.”
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