Dance to keep warm: Council to provide dance lessons for residents struggling this winter
By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter
Concerts and ballroom dancing lessons will take place in Central London this winter to help keep residents warm.
‘Warm banks’ with activities to get the heart pumping are set to open up around Westminster to help people struggling with cold temperatures this winter.
More than 31,000 families, around a quarter of households in the borough, are set to struggle due to rising fuel, energy and food costs, according to council estimates.
To try and tackle the crisis the council has launched a programme of free activities in warm spots around the city and councillors are currently searching for more spaces they can open for residents to go to if they can not afford to heat their homes.
Free lunchtime concerts will be put on on Wednesday lunchtimes at Westminster music library in the West End.
Free ballroom dancing lessons have also been put on for elderly residents on Mondays at the Abbey Centre.
After-school clubs have also been set up and parents can get advice, support and referrals on affordable food, employment, debt, and housing while their children play.
Public buildings and religious centres are set to open their doors to cold residents in Westminster.
The council declared a cost of living emergency on September 21 and has since announced an £8m package to try and help residents.
Conservative councillor Jim Glen asked the Westminster Scrutiny Committee on October 31: “We are galloping towards cold winter nights, thankfully it has been quite warm – unseasonably so. But have suitable warm spaces been identified across the borough?”
In response, Westminster deputy leader Aicha Less replied: “Some have been and I believe they are still looking for warm spaces that can be used as soon as possible. I know they have been looking at faith organisations. Some organisations have been offering spaces during the winter months and the colder months. That work is still ongoing.”
Councillors are currently looking for other places where they can set up warm spaces for residents.
Pictured top: Westminster City Hall, where Westminster City council resides (Picture: Google Street View)
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