Call to introduce 'heat banks' across Moray

A call has been made for libraries and community centres in Moray to be used as warm spaces for people struggling to pay their energy bills.

Two councillors want a list to be drawn up of public buildings that could potentially be used as 'heat banks' this winter

Draeyk van der Horn (Green, Forres) has put forward a motion for this to be discussed at tomorrow's meeting of the full council.

He is being seconded by Scott Lawrence (SNP, Forres).

A similar proposal for such heat backs across the Highland Council area was rejected after being put forward by the Liberal Democrats earlier this month.

Tomorrow's motion states: "Many this winter are expected to choose between eating or heating, and there are real fears that people will freeze at home as bills are unaffordable for many.

"The recent energy price guarantee price places a limit of £2,500 on household energy bills, this figure is still more than double the level of bills for households last winter.

"People fear they will not be able to turn on their heating.

"Meanwhile, with inflation climbing hitting costs of food and fuel and recession looming there are significant strains on struggling households."

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