Merseyside families could be forced to use 'warm banks'
People on pre-payment meters for gas and electric could be hit the hardest this winter with more than 100,000 across Merseyside
Last updated 2nd Aug 2022
It's feared tens of thousands of people across Merseyside could be forced to use warm banks this Winter, as the choice between heating and eating becomes more difficult.
Energy costs have risen dramatically this year and are set to rise again this October.
That's lead to reports councils across the UK could be drawing up plans for communal heat banks to help those unable to afford their heating this winter.
People on pre-payment meters for gas and electric could be hit the hardest with more than 100,000 across Merseyside alone.
Richard Roberts from Wirral Foodbank says it's already having a huge effect on the people they support :
"Forty five to fifty percent of people coming to the foodbank the biggest reason is low income, they just can't find anymore resources to support them.
"They predominantly are people on pre-payment meters and the North West is one of the highest areas for it. Food and fuel are of great concern to us at the moment.
"You tend not to use a lot of heat in the Summer so the meter is very low but you still accrue a standing cost to your card. Come September when you load it with fifty quid, most of that will be swallowed up with standing charges".
It comes after Money Saving expert Martin Lewis warned public buildings such as libraries could be considered under any new plan.