Council grant to aid ‘warm spaces’ rollout

Public and third-sector organisations are coming together to offer warm spaces throughout Scarborough and the surrounding area this autumn and winter.

Scarborough Borough Council is working with charities, community groups and companies including Beyond Housing and North Yorkshire County Council to open up buildings as well as providing advice and support to people affected by the cost of living crisis.

A pot of £10,000 to provide grants of up to £300 has been created to support the roll out of warm spaces. The council’s Warm Welcome Fund will provide voluntary and community groups hosting warm spaces with quick and easy access to financial support, which can be used to help fund associated costs including energy bills.

Councillor Carl Maw, Scarborough Borough Council cabinet member for stronger communities and housing, said: “There are many people in our borough who are struggling because of the cost of living crisis and things will get much worse if we have a cold winter.

“I’d encourage any group or organisation interested in joining the warms spaces network to get in touch with us and also apply for funding to ensure the support is available for as long as possible.”

While the council finalises plans for which of its own buildings will open, it is asking anyone interested in providing a warm space location or charities and voluntary groups requiring advice or support, to email matthew.joseph@scarborough.gov.uk .

More information about the Warm Welcome Fund is available by emailing margaret.elwick@scarborough. gov.uk.