FOI Request - Warm Banks

Request 101003161724

Warm Banks have been described as ‘warm spaces' to provide heated sites for those unable to afford their energy bills', which will be rolled out through the winter as a response to the energy crisis of 2022.
In regards to this definition please supply the following information:

1. Has the council approved plans for any council-run ‘warm banks’, ‘warm spaces’, or  locations where people can access warmth as a result of the energy crisis at no cost since April 6th 2022?

2. If so, how many?

3. How is your authority funding or intending to fund these warm banks? (i.e. were any grants sought, or is the council providing grants to third-sector organisations to do so)

4. If the council has approved any warm banks or similar, did the authority acquire grants in order to fund them and - if so - what were the names of those grants?

5. If there are warm banks in the local authority area, how many are run by the council and how many are run by external organisations?

6. If the council has approved any warm banks or similar, what is or will be the eligibility criteria to access them?

7. How much funding has been approved for providing ‘warm banks’ or similar since April 6th 2022?

8. If there are warm banks operating or set to operate in the local authority area – how many of these will operate or do operate from within council-owned buildings? Can you state which buildings they are?

Response 31-10-2022

1. Not held. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held. However, at its meeting on 28.8.22 the Council agreed as follows (drawn from draft minute of meeting):

1. notes that heat banks are a response to the crisis to ensure those unable to heat their homes can keep warm and safe elsewhere.

2.         request a report with further background to:

i)             Help identify public buildings in the area which could be used as warm spaces for public access during the winter. This could include libraries and community centres.

ii)            Explore how the Council could work alongside communities and partner organisations, at pace, to look at the possibility of making use of their spaces, as well as encouraging organisations in the private and third sectors to do the same.

2. -7. Not held. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held.