Highland Council urged to support more warm spaces

Ahead of Christmas, the Highland Council is being urged to provide greater support to communities - alongside faith groups, charities, and local organisations - to ensure everyone has access to warm spaces.

David Green, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said he is “full of praise for local community groups that are doing vital work to tackle loneliness and help people stay safe and warm.”

According to information provided to the Highland Liberal Democrats through freedom of information, there has been a sharp decline in the number of Highland Council-supported warm banks, warm spaces, and warm places. Sixteen projects were financially supported in 2022/2023, but only one project was recorded this year.

The decline can in part be attributed to the closure of the Highland Council’s Cost of Living Fund. Launched in September 2022 with £450,000 to support community-led initiatives, the fund stopped funding many community-led projects in mid-2023. 

With a cold winter expected this year, demand for warm spaces is expected to be high. In winter 2023, Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) estimated more than 230,000 people visited community spaces to heat themselves up and save money on home energy bills.

Warm Welcome Spaces is a charity network of 5,300 community-led groups and growing of every shape and size, providing what they say is a “place of belonging and reconnection.” You can find your local Warm Welcome Space in Highland here: www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space.

David Green, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said:

“Too many are struggling to afford sky-high energy bills. We know the Highlands has some of the worst fuel poverty levels in the country, yet we see a disappointing lack of progress with the Scottish Government’s energy efficiency scheme combined with real terms cut in spending. 

“I am full of praise for local community groups that are doing vital work to tackle loneliness and help people stay safe and warm. With the colder months hitting us, I urge the Highland Council to do more to support these groups to maintain and expand access to warm spaces for everyone who needs them.

“While this support alone will of course not be the long-term fix we need, any efforts made this winter could really make the difference for people in need today.”

ENDS.