'WARM BANKS' will open across North Somerset this winter as a rising cost-of-living is set to force a 'heat or eat' choice for thousands.

Energy price caps are set to rise again this weekend, October 1, in what prime minister Liz Truss has called the ‘Energy Price Guarantee’ scheme.

Under plans drawn up by the government earlier this month, the typical household will see their bills frozen at £2,500 a year until 2024. 

Last winter the average bill for households was £1,277 a year.

Now struggling households and other members of the community will be able to protect themselves and stay warm this winter under a 'warm bank' scheme.

North Somerset Council has worked with the North Somerset Together network to provide 'public living rooms,' or warm banks, in community buildings, sports venues, churches and libraries.

The spaces will provide a safe, non-judgemental area for people to stay warm and even enjoy a hot drink and biscuits. 

Chair of the cost-of-living working group, Cllr Mike Bell, said: "We are a council that cares about people.

"Our goal is to create a directory of all the places available to our residents across the public, private, health and voluntary sectors and to ensure this information is clearly promoted so everyone who is feeling the cold knows where they can go to get warm, stay warm and enjoy a little company and some hot refreshments."

Cllr Bell added: "Our ambition is that all communities across North Somerset that need a public living room have at least one where local residents can use to help stay warm and well."

This follows a move from other councils across the country that will set up 'warm banks' this winter too.

Venues will also hold information to help people learn more about the support available to tackle the devastating cost-of-living crisis.

People can offer a space for use as a 'public living room' by applying on the council's website.

Applicants can also receive grants of up to £1,000 for offering a venue. These will be funded by the council.