Community buildings and churches in Craven are to open to provide warmth for people struggling with their energy bills.
Craven District Council has developed its own “warm and welcome places” scheme to support residents during the winter when venues will be able to apply for grants of up to £500 from local councillors.
Councillors described the need for the support as “depressing”, but said it was a move that needed to be taken as they were seriously concerned about the impact that rising bills will have on the most vulnerable in the area.
“There are a lot of people in this district who are really, really struggling,” said councillor Robert Ogden, lead member for resilient communities.
“But there are some things we can do as a district council to try to mitigate some of the worst side effects of this cost of living crisis.”
Up to £30,000 will be made available through the grant scheme, and advice on energy bills will also be provided at the participating venues which will be listed on the council’s website.
Separately, the council will also give £3,000 to a local charity to provide 1,200 meals to children who need them over the winter months.
SELFA runs activities and clubs in Skipton, Bentham and Settle, and supports many children from low-income households which are most affected by the cost of living crisis.
Councillor Simon Myers, chairman of the council, said: “SELFA is a fantastic organisation – they do so much good work and never ask for a penny more than they need.
“I would simply suggest that the £3,000 is not the end of the road if there is more that we can do to help them in delivering the fantastic work they do, particularly at this difficult time.”
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