Opening hours at warm banks across Aberdeen could be expanded amid concerns those in need are being left in the cold at weekends.
The city council has opened 30 so-called warm banks – heated public buildings offering space to those who struggling with the cost-of-living.
These warm spaces are based in libraries and learning centres across the city as a space for people to heat up and save on their own energy costs.
But concern has been raised that many of these spaces are not open in the evenings or Sundays, and that they will be shut over the festive period.
Council bosses – who are facing a £4.4million funding blackhole this winter – today pledged to find partner organisations to help cover those gaps.
Aberdeen City Council’s growing network of warm banks
As well as a warm place to go, people using the warm spaces can use the library resources and take part in different activities and events.
There are also free period products – including reusable items – and free toothbrushes and toothpaste for those under five.
Communities convener Miranda Radley said: “It’s so important that our already heated buildings across Aberdeen help in supporting individuals and local communities in keeping warm this winter.
“This is a challenging and worrying time for many and we need to ensure that support is available for those who may be struggling with the rising cost of living.”
Festive period worries as warm banks may close
Margaret Stewart, the council’s libraries and community learning manager, reassured councillors that warm space venues are still being developed.
Although libraries across the city are closed on Sundays, the art gallery, the David Welch Winter Gardens and Inchgarth Community Centre are open and functioning as a warm space.
Libraries will remain open over the festive period as usual.
Staffing to allow warm banks – both council-owned and run by others – to remain open longer is also being looked at.
She added: “We recognise there’s a number of charities that offer support over Christmas time – for example, the Salvation Army.
“I think by making sure we’re signposting people to the venues that are open and also doing what we can to extend the warm spaces offers that we do have.”
Council faces £4.4m deficit while demand for help increases this winter
However, resources director Steve Whyte highlighted the “significant financial pressure” the authority faces.
Currently, the libraries are offering warm space during normal opening hours – when the building is already being heated.
Mr Whyte highlighted adding to the city’s offering may add to the troubles while the council faces cost pressure “never experienced before”.
The council expects a £4.4 million deficit in its general fund – and must balance the books before the end of March.
Mr Whyte said: “It’s a struggle not just with energy costs but inflation, the cost of food, all of our cost base has been put under severe pressure we’ve never experienced before hence we’d be concerned if we tried to add more cost pressure.”
The council will now work with community centres, universities and businesses in an attempt to extend the warm bank offering across the city this winter.
Conversation