Hampshire County Council urge communities to apply for grants which will fund warm hubs this winter

Hampshire County are urging communities across Hampshire to apply to the leader’s Community Grant Scheme to set up warm hubs for people struggling to pay for heating this winter.

Although there has been a level of reassurance that bills will be contained until April next year, there is still an increasing concern about how people will afford their heating with the prices of basic necessities going up.

Councillor Rob Humby, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: ‘While households have been given a level of assurance that fuel bills will be contained to April 2023 for now, we know that many will still struggle significantly, facing exceptionally difficult choices about how budgets are spent this autumn and winter.’

The county council are offering grants of up to £5,000 to community or voluntary organisations to fund the establishment of warm hubs throughout the winter where these groups will host the safe spaces for people in need.

They are also accepting creative concepts surrounding the warm hubs and have already considered coffee mornings or shared activities where vulnerable people can gather together.

Applications will be for the financial year of 2022/2023 and those placing applications will be considered by the Parish and Town Councils and local branches of national charities, where they will deal with any submissions on a first come first served basis.

To find out more about how to apply for the grant, go to the leader’s Community Grants web page: https://www.hants.gov.uk/community/grants/grants-list/leaders-community-grants