What Warm Spaces are, why we need them and how to find them

With many people feeling the pressure because of increased energy costs and the rising cost of living, our Warm Spaces network aims to support residents across County Durham this winter.

Our Warm Spaces are free and will let you stay for as long, or for as short a period as you wish (within their opening hours).

Find your nearest Warm Space

Finding your nearest Warm Spaces is easy. We have added a section to Locate, our online directory, allowing residents to connect with local services. So, if you are cold you can find out where you can go to get warm, stay warm and enjoy a little company. Some Warm Spaces also offer refreshments, wi-fi access, parking and baby change facilities.

Why we need Warm Spaces

On 1 October 2022, the energy price cap increased meaning the average household energy bill is now £2,500 per year.

Even with the support packages detailed below announced by the Government, for most households this support will only partially cover the increases in energy, food, fuel and other necessities.

• Residents in council tax band A to D (or band E where there is a disabled reduction) are eligible for a £150 council tax rebate.
• All domestic energy customers in Great Britain will receive help with the cost of their energy bills through the Energy Bill Support Scheme, this will be given monthly through household electricity bills starting in October 2022 for six months, totalling £400.
• All pensioner households will receive an extra £300 to help them cover the rising cost of energy this winter.
• People with disabilities will receive an extra £150 to help with the particular extra costs they face.
• The Household Support Fund helps households who are not eligible for other kinds of help or need further support. The Government announced a further £500 million of support via the scheme, which will now run until March 2023.