Powys Council is looking to provide warm spaces across the county to support anyone struggling with the cost of living this winter.

The authority announced today that they are looking for community groups and organisations who can provide a space to get in touch, in order to build a ‘network’ of locations for people to use.

These warm spaces would be areas where people can come together, stay warm and enjoy company and hot refreshments.

Powys Council has said it wants to do more to help the county’s residents, but added that they “can’t do it alone”.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “The cost of living crisis that the UK is experiencing is putting unprecedented pressures on people, who will be forced to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home.

“We want to do more to help Powys residents during the cold months, but we can’t do it alone.

“We’re keen to work with community groups and organisations, building on the great work carried out during the pandemic, to create a network of warm spaces where people can come together, get warm, stay warm and enjoy some company and hot refreshments.

“If any organisation or community group are able to provide a warm space this winter, we want to hear from you. They would be making a positive difference to our communities and will be helping residents during this crisis.”

The move comes after a Plaid Cymru MS wrote to Powys Council requesting their consideration to open warm banks this winter.

Cefin Campbell, MS for Mid & West Wales, made the call following media reports from other areas of the UK that some local authorities were discussing the feasibility of opening the spaces.

Any group or organisation willing to provide a warm space this winter can fill in an Expression of Interest form by visiting en.powys.gov.uk/article/13227/Creating-Warm-Spaces-for-Powys