Written question WQ89744

The Warm Hubs concept was developed at a local level to suit local needs and circumstances.

In total over 850 Warm Hubs were established across Wales last winter using funding from Welsh Government, local authority, and other partners and supported through the work of voluntary groups, providing support to over 117,000 people.

In 2022-23 the Welsh Government provided £1m to help develop the Warm Hubs concept at a local level. However, our funding allocation from the UK Government this year is insufficient to enable us to repeat many of the support we provided from 2022-23 through 2023-24 including the provision of any additional support this winter.

We have called on the UK Government to take further practical actions to make a real difference to those hit hardest by the cost of living crisis – actions which would help with fuel costs; make rents more affordable; ease financial pressures for people in receipt of benefits and provide some protection against continuing price rises.

In October the Cabinet committee on the Cost of Living heard how many partners were building on the Warm Hubs concept and offering ‘warm space’ based activities for their communities.

We are aware that some Local Authorities and other third sector organisations have continued to deliver a mix of services in shared spaces throughout the year.