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We will find the solutions. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure that organisations who run warm spaces are not financially out of pocket from doing so. I applaud all the work that’s been done, and we will stand behind that financially as far as we can.

Cllr Richard Samuel, Deputy Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources (Lib Dems, Walcot)

This was the response councillor Samuel gave last night to Bath & North East Somerset’s Labour councillors’ call for council support for community organisations wanting to operate warm spaces across the district. They called on the Liberal Democrat administration to unlock B&NES Council’s unparalleled local reach and resources to:

• Help groups ensure that vulnerable residents have the shortest possible journey to a warm space

• Help residents access safe community transport there and back

• Where possible, co-locate with other facilities, such as food banks

• Signpost residents to a range of support

• Build organisations’ capabilities and capacity to do this. For example; helping with volunteer training and DBS checks, refreshment facilities, insurance, secure fuel storage, risk assessments and more.

The Labour proposal was unanimously supported by B&NES councillors. Labour Leader, Councillor Robin Moss (Westfield), summed up at last night’s Council meeting. “How did we get here? And how can we make sure this never, ever happens again?” The Labour Group found working with the administration very positive on this matter. Councillor Romero’s ideas and Councillor Samuel’s commitment have been very much welcomed. The Labour Group will now be working with them to make sure that the Council delivers.

To view the previous article, with more information on Labour’s action plan, click here.