Warm Space Lifeline for Local Residents

Courtesy picture of Sam Clawley

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Chancellor Jeremy Hunt are due to announce a number of economic policies in their Autumn Statement next week. The statement which is being delivered next Thursday is rumoured to include cuts to public spending as well as tax increases. The plans are in stark contrast to the controversial economic plans of previous Prime Minister Liz Truss, which were focused on low taxes to promote growth. Amid the fallout of that budget, the Prime Minister said the priority is to restore economic stability.

With the cost-of-living crisis growing, warm spaces are starting to be set up by locals in order to help communities.

Holbrook Community Care Association set up one in September and mainly caters for older people. It is based in a library which now includes a “warm space”. This is a heated room in which people can go to relax, have a cup of tea, play games with friends or members of staff, and try and forget about the ongoing crisis.

Mark Graham is the Community Development officer at the HCCA, said: “Numbers are going up now as it’s getting colder, we’re getting 10 people or so a day.

“People are terrified to put the heating on. It’s costing them a fortune, cooking one meal costs a couple of quid,” he added.

Mr. Graham said he would like to see policies next week that help people that are struggling.

 “We don’t know what’s going to happen”, he said.

“Energy prices need to shrink. The cost of food is getting ridiculous, everything needs to settle down.

“After the stress of covid these last couple of years, we thought we’d get a break. It’s all gone downhill,” he added.

Holbrook Community centre provides food in a social supermarket every Monday between 1-3pm for those on benefits.

“The people who need that support need to get that support,” added Mr Graham, who said the space would be open for as long as was needed.

With potentially £33 Billion in cuts to public spending, £21 billion to be raised in tax and the cost-of -living crisis only going to get worse in winter, many are worried about the outcome of this Autumn Statement.

For those who wish to donate or volunteer, visit holbrookscommunity.co.uk.

Jack Woolf and Sam Clawley