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‘Warm hubs’ to be set up in Cambridgeshire as heating crisis begins




South Cambridgeshire and East Cambridgeshire district councils are preparing a series of ‘warm hubs’ operated from community buildings across the two districts.

Councillor Bill Handley, lead cabinet member for communities at South Cambridgeshire District Council
Councillor Bill Handley, lead cabinet member for communities at South Cambridgeshire District Council

The move comes in response to the soaring cost of energy bills, which is expected to push more than half of UK households into fuel poverty by January. A recent forecast by consultancy BFY Group predicts that the annual energy bill for an average household will increase by around £1,600 to over £3,600. This is because the energy cap – the maximum amount a utility company can charge an average customer in the UK for the electricity and gas they use – is due to be raised to £3,554 a year on typical use from October 1.

The energy cap, which is set by UK energy regulator Ofgem, was £1,277 at the start of the year – and a new study by consultancy Auxilione published this week said that Ofgen, the UK energy regular which sets the cap, could raise it to £6,000 a year by next April.

Millions face unaffordable energy bills this winter. Picture: PA
Millions face unaffordable energy bills this winter. Picture: PA

The government, through Ofgem, the energy regulator, has allowed its own citizens to be priced out of the market by allowing the energy cap to rise to levels unaffordable for millions. The response from the chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi, has merely been to suggest that households need to look at how they are using energy, with calls for urgent government intervention to tackle soaring bills sidelined during the Tory leadership race.

With no assistance on the way, and a cost of living crisis already spiralling out of control, millions of people will switch their heating off for the winter. Councils in Lancashire, Northumberland, Solihull, Warwickshire, Surrey, and Cheshire have stepped forward a package of measures to assist the most vulnerable by establishing warm hubs in council-run buildings such as village halls, museums and libraries.

Energy price cap explainer. Infographic PA Graphics
Energy price cap explainer. Infographic PA Graphics

Warm hubs are now due to be adopted in the east and south of Cambridgeshire.

South Cambridgeshire District Council says: “The aim of the warm hub will be to provide support to those most vulnerable this winter to help mitigate the cost of living crisis.

“The hubs will offer a warm, friendly and inclusive environment with access to hot food, tea and coffee; somewhere to socialise, take part in activities and receive information on how to reduce bills, access financial support, and stay healthy and well.”

Chancellor Nadhim Zawari has nothing to offer except warm words
Chancellor Nadhim Zawari has nothing to offer except warm words

The council has invited contractors to bid to deliver the service. They will be expected to identify suitable community buildings: the contractor will also support the operational running of the warm hubs.

The council adds: “The project should be led by volunteers from within their communities with the aim of establishing a network of sustainable warm hubs across both East and South Cambridgeshire.”

Local community support will be vital in running warm hubs.

“The project should be based on strong partnership working, take a place-based approach which brings together communities, health sector, community and local government organisations,” says the district council.

How the current price cap breaks down. Infographic PA Graphics
How the current price cap breaks down. Infographic PA Graphics

Cllr Bill Handley, lead cabinet member for communities at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We are really pleased to have this funding to be able to look at providing warm spaces this winter.

“It is early days, having only just heard we have been successful for this funding, so we are looking forward to being able to share all the details once we know where the hubs will be, what times they will be open and how the project will be delivered.

“It is important that local residents know where they can go for support, in particular over the winter months.”

Details of the location and availability of the warm hubs to follow.



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