By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors in Gedling say it is a “national disgrace” that buildings opened to provide warm shelter for people struggling with bills will now remain open all year-round to provide support.
Gedling Borough Council opened its Bonington Theatre and Richard Herrod Centre buildings during the winter last year to help those struggling due to the cost of living crisis.
Numerous other community organisations offered their help, including Men in Sheds in Carlton, Netherfield Forum and the Salvation Army, and a directory was created to help people easily find support near them.
Many will now open under the new name of ‘welcome and warm spaces’ to reflect their use all year round due to growing demand.
During a scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday, September 5, councillors were told booklets advertising the support were “snapped up and taken within a matter of days”.
Cllr Michelle Welsh (Lab), for Porchester ward, said: “We have a lot of organisations and a lot of people who do a lot of good things in Gedling.
“It is really heart-warming to know there are so many people out there willing to help others.
“I wish this didn’t exist to be quite honest. I wish we did not have to open up buildings because people cannot afford to feed themselves or feed their families or keep warm over winter.
“I think it is a total national disgrace.”
Cllr Welsh asked council officers if a meeting could be arranged with support partners to better arrange help for those in need.
She said: “This winter is set to be a lot harder for a lot more people so the situation is going to get worse, so do we bring these people together?
“In light of the fact it is going to get harder for a lot more people this winter, I’m concerned about how that is going to impact people, especially children, across Gedling.
“So my plea would be bring these people together before it does get really bad and start having those conversations, invite councillors along as well, and [see] how we can help better and how we can challenge it so those resources are shared between people.”
A council officer said she was not sure funding is available to arrange a large in-person meeting, however the council will look at the possibility of arranging an online meeting for all support partners.
Cllr Russell Whiting (Lab), for Colwick ward, also raised concerns ahead of the winter months amid the lack of the £400 energy bill support which was handed out by the Government last year.
“I don’t think the price cap has come down enough to cover the shortfall, so obviously this is going to be another very hard winter for our people in Gedling and beyond,” he added.
“In addition to bringing the providers together, which is a very good idea and one I would strongly support, there could be some link between the providers and service users ahead of time so we can see what kind of services or provision they would like to see in their community?”
A council officer said provision will be listed in the local ‘Contacts’ magazine which goes out to the whole borough ahead of time.
