How 'warm spaces' keep Britons from freezing in the cost of living crisis | Times Reports

With the cost of living crisis creating soaring energy bills, 'warm spaces' are opening across the town of Gateshead, providing refuge for those who can't afford to heat their homes.
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[@lolo_bird]

I'm from a middle class background, I have a PhD, but I've fallen on hard times financially. I see such a sharp divide between people who aren't even fussed about the hike in prices, who aren't even bothered, and people like us who have to keep the heating off all winter, although we can afford hot water so I'm aware how privileged we are. But this situation isn't going to stop the rich using the same amount of gas as before. It's just the poor who will suffer.

[@J.Marrs76]

Totally agree Anneke. That's how I see it too. I'd go as far as saying a few are taking great delight in others suffering.

[@kevinwilde]

revitalise the coal industry which thatcher was overly eager to urinate on produce electricity and gas at affordable prices.

[@LabRat6619]

Britain's under class are easily tricked and coerced into shooting themselves in the foot.

[@edelgyn2699]

AN & JTO, you will be able to survive without the Winter without heating and hot water, but it will be uncomfortable if you are not using to roughing it. No doubt you will figure out how you can help yourselves and face the challenge to adapt to your new circumstances. I'm low income, but I'm not suffering; the difference will probably be that I'm from a previous generation that grew up without relying on central heating and hot running water. Forget what 'the rich' are doing, stick two fingers up to consumerism and concentrate on making yourself independent and strong enough to survive without modern trappings. Anneke I have two PhDs, but circumstances in my mid-life meant that the only work I could get was as a temporary factory worker. Surely the benefit of having a post-graduate education is that we can make a contribution to enriching the lives of those around us - it's not about ensuring we are financially compensated? Make a flask of tea and celebrate! 😉

[@Stettafire]

​@@edelgyn2699 BS

[@Stephanie-lg1cm]

The government is spending 7 million a day on housing illegal immigrants in hotels with central heating, and meals, they also get an allowance. We have British people sitting in the cold and dark, afraid to use any power and unable to afford to feed themselves adequately, there’s something very wrong here.

[@sparrowflying864]

Sad isn't it. We are going back to thr stone age. The very same thing is happening in the USA. My friend told me they're thinking about taking the veterans checks to give to the "immigrants" ( illegals! )

[@bringsdogtowork]

Well said!

[@noreenosullivan7109]

The same is happening in Ireland -we have reached the highest homelessness crisis ..we can’t mind our own people -shocking!!

[@dorothyann-n2h]

God Bless Y'all Family 🙏🙏

[@btccoins5514]

Food bank and heat center SHOULD NEVER EVER exist. This is what happens when gov't FAIL the working class for 50 years

[@R.U.1.2.]

Do you think global inflation, worldwide would be a contributing factor? Or is it all happening only in Britain?

[@lexi8679]

@@R.U.1.2. it is but there's been a need for a better distribution of wealth in the UK for a long time.

[@bluebell1924]

UK lowest income households are 20 % poorer than those in France or Germany. The rich pull the strings in UK politics and the British public seems to be too polite or uninformed to make a fuss and demand their rights.

[@lexi8679]

@@bluebell1924 well said. Sunak needs to raise the benefits cap so that working famies can still be entitled to enough extra support to live off because there still fails to be a living wage. The UK government should look at places like Sweden where people pay higher rates of taxes but are happy because they can trust the government to manage state money and distribute it fairly with free child care and free school meals etc. They have some of the best childhood outcomes and nothing like the disgusting levels of childhood poverty with have here. And as you said we put up with it and watch government giving out contracts to their mates funded by state money so they can make them richer and leave working families on the bread line or queuing at food banks. And yet we put up with it.

[@deborahb.3736]

and after 50 years people are STILL depending on the gov to see them through..? that's the problem right there. ya gotta live like there is no fake safety net.. cause there isn't one.. live smarter... not more dependent on the incompetents and them that could care less if you lived or died.

[@elizaann1888]

It's so sad our country has come to this. Great that there are places to keep warm and get food, but it can only be for a few hours. Will the warm spaces become the place for homeless people to go to for as long as possible, only natural. What about the elderly who are not mobile, what is to become of them. I don't think our so-called government gives a toss. It is heartbreaking.

[@edelgyn2699]

It's ordinary people not giving a toss that makes the difference. We used to have communities where if you saw someone struggling you'd help them a little - take it in turn to provide old people a meal, or go and sit with them and generally give them a hand so they weren't left struggling to survive. It's not the job of the government to make a compassionate society - that responsibility lies with each of us.

[@juliewills3592]

As long as the illegal migrants are alright and we support Ukraine, everything is fine (not).

[@feloriene]

@@edelgyn2699 It's not up to communities to make sure people can survive though. I hear what you're saying about compassion in the community, but we have a fundementally broken system if the officials who are paid to manage these issues and do what's best for the British people don't deliver. If you're facing a situation where even people in full time work can't afford the basics to surive, the system has failed. Where there are literally hundreds of food banks necessary to prop up society, and now heat banks while energy companies report profits in the bilions, it's broken. It's not the people or the community's place to make up for the shortfall caused by the government's lack of action, though unfortunately it's the community that's being left to pick up the slack.

[@dianethompson2458]

It is unacceptable for people to have to suffer in this way. The government has taken away its citizens basic human rights. I am so sorry this is happening to you. My family emigrated to Canada from Northamptonshire in the 1920s. I am a second generation immigrant here. I hope things improve for you all very soon.

[@johnmitchell2269]

TBF they are giving everyone £66 a month on their energy bills. The government have no say on what the energy companies charge. The reason the energy companies charge what they do, is fundamentally down to greedy shareholders of Shell and BP.

[@Mr.Patrick_Hung]

You are right. Such a mess is unacceptable. Britain is supposed to be a developed country. Life used to be harder than this mess here in China a few decades ago. However today life in China is better than in Britain. I have lived in America and been to Britain. There is no excuse for a developed country to be worse off than us here in China. I thank God that I returned to live here.

[@robertosborne7542]

We allowed it to happen largely-tho our not fit for purpose electoral system doesnt help-by voting the Cons in since 2010 leading to austerity/Brexit and the current corrupt ,lying ,inept chancers in govt now.

[@luvlabso130]

The elites are nice and warm.

[@Astucious]

So are the people arriving across the channel.

[@bitcoincryptofreedom3652]

Driving their RR Phantom 👌😉

[@annette711]

There

[@annette711]

That's all that counts obviously their good. And SOD the rest if us. I'm baffled how they are still around is every body waiting to see wot the next 12years have in store🤔🙄

[@jessicasmith6470]

They are treating illegals better than citizens, same in Canada and USA. Shame on them. I love UK have visited many times . Stay strong.

[@eleven903]

It absolutely does NOT have to be this way. If the people could only understand what/who is behind this; then, we could rise to end this suffering. Unfortunately, until they do-people will suffer.

[@emusaurus]

If they understood the value of a dollar before this happened, they would be fine.

[@NeveauRock]

End the war in Ukraine!

[@notverynotoriousg5674]

@@emusaurus its a few generations not understanding the real cost of anything, not the value of a promissory note.

[@Jayapullani]

@@NeveauRock - Never in our history has the country sank so low, apart from this speechless!

[@SandraRees]

I agree, it's all by design. People need oo stand up and say enough!!!!

[@monharris28]

God bless these people helping others, they are helping people at the ground level, god bless them

[@MsYingyang2]

Exactly. This is a story about a place to go to help individuals. They mention a company that drops off some food items. There is a need for more companies donating anything. People should band together for everyone to benefit from this generous gesture.

[@monharris28]

@@MsYingyang2 absolutely agree, we have to come together and help

[@oh2887]

Warm space to have company is a good temporary 'fix', however the badly insulated housing stock will get damp and mould if the heating in their homes is on at at minimum.

[@techtinkerin]

Beyond disgusting situation, warm spaces are such a tragic concept. This has got to change by any means necessary.

[@lexi8679]

The fact people have to do this to stay warm yet the energy companies are raking in billions 😥 what do you do if you're elderly or disabled and aren't mobile enough to travel out everyday to the local library etc to stay warm? What if you're recovering from surgery or are on bed rest. It's got to stop. People really used to struggle in winter back in the day but it shouldn't still be happening. The people in parliament making these decisions aren't going to be cold are they? Didn't one charge keeping heating for his horses in the stable to tax payers a few years ago in expenses? Who was that again? It's just disgusting. Parliament need to give their head a wobble, they're all out of touch with reality.

[@cottoncandykawaii2673]

it's going to get worse this winter with the Americans having bombed the Russian pipelines

[@al4484]

@@lexi8679 Its a modern day slavery.

[@alyahamzah1952]

I can't understand why this is happening in a country where there are royalties prancing around in their fine clothes, waving to the people, sleeping warm and eating good food.

[@bodhisattva2348]

Well u guys seem to love your queen.

[@1961-v9k]

@@bodhisattva2348 that’s the problem. I’m surrounded by embarrassingly obsequious people fawning over the Royals like excited puppies. It makes me sick 🤮

[@MsK-xm7vw]

And; whose new ‘King’ actually coined the phrase “The Great Reset” within the WEF. A ‘King’ who is at the very top of the Leader List in Schaub’s Executive Branch. A ‘King’ who is loyal to trees, Scaub, and the WEF. And the British people…. “Let Them Eat Cake”!

[@marje8249]

It’s not right is it 😢 change is needed.

[@chirushetty24]

Well, the English love to fantasize about the good old days when they ruled over all.

[@icouldjustscream]

It's terrible in this day and age. I grew up poor in Atlantic Canada. We get blizzards. It gets really cold here, -30° is not unusual. We had no indoor plumbing, no running water, no central heat, the wind literally blew through the shack we lived in and the roof leaked. We collected water from the mountain spring across the road all year round, but in the winter we had to chop through the ice first. We had a propane stove that kept the shack barely above freezing. It was difficult but we were a hardy bunch and used to such conditions. We dressed warmly in layers. Had candles for light and a bit of heat. These folks are not acclimated to living in the cold weather with minimal heat/resources. Thankfully, it doesn't get to -30° or colder there. It's shameful that four decades later, people are still enduring such conditions. It's bad enough in a 'poor' country, but this is happening in a wealthy country! The lower middle class are now poverty stricken. Spending all their money on just food and utilities, and still falling behind.

[@pinkiesue849]

I don't know how any of you made it in those cold conditions. Here I thought Canada had social programs to help with heating.

[@icouldjustscream]

@@pinkiesue849 These days there are some programs in some provinces to help low income families with utilities. 40 years ago there was no such thing, at least not in our province. We were "the working poor". Thankfully, I was blessed with a bit of intelligence and was able to educate myself out of the poverty cycle. I have a professional career, bought a proper house which included an apartment for my mother, and live without worrying too much about money. I still remember "the old ways" though, how to survive on very little and make-do or do without.

[@romystumpy1197]

In the UK we don't get cold winter's lol,

[@cjmac3636]

@@icouldjustscream Canadians are a hardier bunch

[@sarahstrong7174]

The U.K. is not a 'wealthy country'. It is an extremely divided country in which very rich people get all sorts of tax breaks & do well & in which a lot of people at present are struggling to obtain an adequate supply of the basic essentials. The level of division has reached the point where I do not feel it is adequate to claim it is one country anymore. Those of us who are freezing cold because we cannot afford heating on surely cannot be said to be living in the same country as the super rich?

[@carolynwheaton9884]

Seniors & elderly can not leave home bedridden.

[@carmenortiz5294]

Very sad. How about the new "king" donate part of his billions to help people of his nation. That has to be very frightening for most people. I live in the US and have been preparing for something like what is going on right now, since I was a teen living in Germany during the "cold war" when WWIII was a possibility. Here we are 60 years later, facing the same thing, thanks to very rich people who don't care about anyone but their money.

[@cattuslavandula]

Yes. Even just take all the money to be spent on his coronation and donate it to heating help for those in need.

[@Maria7Maria]

Never mind the King, a millionaire - our prime minister has more than twice his wealth! His wife even more still, her net wealth is estimated well over that, around 1.2 billion. And she never even paid taxes in the UK. Any of those could contribute and help out!

[@carmenortiz5294]

@@Maria7Maria That's what you think. You can bet the royals are way richer than what you can even imagine. Yes, the other are extremely rich also. As to taxes, neither did the royals, yet fools kept giving them even more money while poverty in the UK keeps increasing.

[@angelicasims4511]

@@carmenortiz5294 yes I laugh when people think sunak is richer than the king. His mother made a stipulation that her real wealth would never be revealed. And some other twit believes Johnson has only a million. He made over a million doing just a few talks in America etc.

[@carmenortiz5294]

@@angelicasims4511 I guess they were not able to brainwash all people into thinking, Queen Elizabeth was not that rich. Heck even her jewlery alone was worth more than what people think she left the gardener, now king with Teddy Bear and travelling toilet seat. LOL As to Johnson, he probably can't count that high, so he thinks a million. LOL

[@abbiebrown2733]

The cost of living crisis is heartbreaking. God bless people that are struggling ❤️

[@stanislasdarjeeling]

Oh I just want to give that young mum a hug. I hope she and bubba are ok ❤❤

[@ymimad49]

I am in Canada, I grew up with no heat, we dressed warm. It wasnt pleasant but we survived. It IS a shame that the UK govt cares NOTHING for its people in this day and age there is no excuse for this, and also they allow poor in council flats to go without electricity so they have no way to cook. and to let in so many foreigners doesnt help. Its an island, not like Canada where we have lots of land, and there is only so much room there. they talked about putting the migrants in tents, well they will have to put citizens in tents too if this keeps up.

[@trina415]

Dont believe all you read to blame immigrants covid Ukraine etc is a utter smokescreen I came from immigrants granted it was a much diff world but dont let the media etc blind you to the truth England is run by the absolute greedy and self serving

[@EvasNan2020]

Citizens in some parts of the country are being offered tents as there is literally no affordable housing or housing in general, people are paying over the odds for everything now in the UK and the wages don't go up to cope with the increases :(

[@ashleybosvik3031]

I would have thought that the welfare system would not have allowed it there.

[@oliviamartini9700]

Things aren't great in Canada either so you can speak for yourself. I move the space heater from room to room because full electric heat is unaffordable. It's going to be a long, cold winter...again.

[@edelgyn2699]

@Ymimad You've been misinformed if you think local authorities in the UK generally switch off the electricity in Council flats. There was a recent video circulating KZbin about one Council in London (Islington) that restricted the hours that the tenants had access to hot water and heating in one or more blocks of flats - that is extremely rare! It's not a case of not having land/space for migrants, we don't have the infrastructure set up for large scale immigration - affordable housing, dentists, GPs, etc.

[@yellowbird5411]

That young mother has an amazing strength, just appreciating that there is a place to go to keep warm and chat with others. There will be others, though, who are too far away from warming centers to take advantage of them. Others may not avail themselves of them because they are more private individuals. To think that a populace must huddle in public buildings just to keep warm and maybe get a bag of donated food when they are working and just trying to survive. We are becoming more third world every day, while the money is being spent on war and weapons is simply immoral and stupid. The fat cats bet on Wall Street with their money, and corporations are all marching to similar tunes. The people, once again, get left in the dirt.

[@EvasNan2020]

The sad thing is, I heard from a friend that she heard on the radio a while ago someone saying how great the tory government was because now we have food banks! Go figure...

[@edelgyn2699]

I've seen people sleepwalk into this since the 80s - widescale acceptance of how 'life should be' rather than kicking off and demanding something better for everyone. It's not fat cats, it's ordinary lower/middle-class people who have kept quiet and allowed themselves to be distanced from the lives of low income people. We no longer have conviction politicians such as Dennis Skinner, MPs regardless of political party exist to represent the cause of their own parties and it has little to do pushing for radical reform to help the most vulnerable in society.

[@golgotha3938]

Why can't she make hot water with an electric cooker? You don't need a gas cooker to make hot water. Also doesn't she have a kettle?

[@cynthiatolman326]

Yes, many older people would have a hard time sitting up in a chair at a table for hours. Physically they need to recline and nap or rest during the day and will end up staying home because they're not physically able.

[@JustTheTruth-Please]

@@golgotha3938 Cost. It costs to run an electric cooker. And electric kettles use electricity so see also, cost.

[@lucydawson1344]

It’s bad that this should even have to happen. A lot of elderly and disabled people are housebound

[@sb239]

Very soon the country would be gathering to cheer the King in his Coronation Ceremony ! Long Live the King ..... that's simply medeival mindset ! God knows how much energy is being needed to keep the Buckingham palace warm !

[@julielumsden5184]

This is disgraceful, a modern country having to open warming centres because families can’t afford to pay their heating or electricity.

[@LilyGazou]

But “refugees” are put up in luxury hotels. With everything they need. What is going on?

[@angelicasims4511]

Lily gazou. We are being manipulated and distracted. A common tactic by people who hold the power.

[@LilyGazou]

@@angelicasims4511 we have had at least two million cross illegally on the last year. They get flown all over the country. It’s insane. The crime rate in my small town is through the roof, all the foreign gang violence and theft. But Britain is such a small land area.

[@angelicasims4511]

@@LilyGazou where are they then in hotels do you think and in deceased people's houses. Seven houses in a row in street have had new people in. Houses are up for sale in the area like never before. New flats built at the bottom of the street.

[@letitbeenow]

@@LilyGazou Blaning refugees instead of the Tories is utterly ridiculous. Grow up.

[@rio-wi1el]

this country is now back in the Charles Dickens times, people with black missing teeth because the working class cannot access dentist, squalid living conditions, ill health because of length of NHS waiting times, not even basic eating or heating, while the government and the illegal immigrants are living in comfort, no worry about heating bills, three meals a day, life is good for them. this UK needs a shake up, we need a general election and a complete new government.

[@reliablesauce]

That poor old man, sitting alone, has really upset me. What the hell has happened to Britain?edit: that young Mother seems lovely and caring, and has a good head on her shoulders.

[@carolmac5944]

This breaks my heart.its a blessing to be able to get a bit of food and stay warm yet people should be warm at home.

[@myrtleesther8855]

It is a disgrace that this should happen in a prosperous western Country that actually has it's own access to oil and Gas in the North Sea etc. The people that are only on state pensions and have to decide whether to heat or eat are on less than £8,500 per year which is individual state pension..compare that to their local MPS salary and their very generous pensions they can all look forward too! Not every old person has another independant income or private pension! I know because I am one of them, I worked for 20 years as a foster carer for local authority and left without a work pension (classed as self employed for that purpose!).Why does this Country just pay lip service to equality, there is no equality for the poor and needy in this Country,. True religion is to look after the poor and needy and especially to provide for the widows and Orphans in their distress! It is not happening in the UK, they are getting left behind! How many people on the streets are ex-care leavers? Even the government fuel handouts 2022 are still only a small percentage of the massive fuel increases for most families, it is not enough! I think before being employed as a member of parliament all politicians should serve a 3 year apprenticeship living on minimum wage in the areas they will serve, they might just be qualified then, to represent us as true public servants .

[@ferrettable]

I'm on state pension and not struggling at all I'm actually paying less gas and electric than I was if I put all the radiators on I would be but I do feel for young people with kids a different government wouldn't be any different I'm sure of that

[@abark]

UK prosperous? Not as long as you've been alive, Myrtle.

[@zezmerelda240]

don't piss off the government! Last time there were too many poor, sick, and hungry, they put them in debtor's prison and sent them to Australia!

[@kiki-1994]

My gas and electric came up to £400 without me turning the gas on ..i work husband work n 3 kids really struggle for everyone in the UK

[@pheart2381]

You should check that figure with your power company if it seems excessive.

[@kiki-1994]

@@pheart2381 I did they said thats my useage total rubbish....

[@eurekaelephant2714]

Unless the people actually rise up, this will continue. The every day person is being screwed over by a system that prioritises corporate greed. Rise up. People are protesting in Europe, about the costs of living, but the media never shows it. Go figure...its abhorrent this mother should have to worry about her beautiful baby's health.

[@nelsonmuntz3194]

As long as people accept what they are doing it will get worse. Still waiting for everyone to collectively hit their limit.

[@Ova-bv4os]

i grew up without heating. we used to wear two gowns and two winter socks and sleep under multiple blankets but even so, some nights it was so cold that my arms and legs and FEET would just never warm. and people forget about the damp when you cant use the heating. i would get into bed at night and it just felt sweaty, and would get worse as my body heat warmed the damp blankets. a very uncomfortable way to live and it simply shouldn't happen nowadays, especially considering the only reason the prices have gone up THIS high is because the oil and gas giants are price gouging. Yes an increase was necessary due to the current conflict in Ukraine, bit not this much. Nowhere near this much. They're robbing us blind and the government is doing nothing to punish them or reign them in

[@fedupbin]

This government are wanting this war to carry on as it makes them money, funelling arms and money through Ukraine. It's dispicable.

[@azamshah562]

The fact is we are getting robbed badly by the mega corporations. The utility bills should have reduced with the amount of green energy initiatives and projects they have around the UK. Its the same with fuel prices. The care for everyday folk has gone and we are stumbling into a divide. Rich / Poor gap widens. We already shot the economy by continuing with the Brexit. Then the war in Ukraine the Energy sector has taken advantage to hike the prices when they have only made record breaking profits without subsidising energy prices. Electric at wholesale is max priced at 2-5p per KWH yet they charging circa +30p.. that's being ripped off. Like the Women on the clip bless her. £40 per month for Gas and Electric and now she's paying £160 per month for the same usage. 🤔. Something a miss here definitely.

[@erikc8284]

Please wake up. Neither the war in Ukraine nor corporations are the main problem here (although they are part of the problem). Hyperinflation (which is on the way) is the result of massive money printing. Inflation is the increase in money supply, and during the pandemic, governments in the West printed 30% of the total money supply in existence in just one year. Average person thinks this is a corporate problem but it is in fact a deliberate attempt from the elites (politicians + the deep-state + a group of billionaries, not all) who have an agenda TO DESTROY THE MIDDLE CLASS because they have decided it is the time to end the Welfare state as we knew it. The Green Agenda is a false-flag plan for people to accept draconian measures in the name of climate-change, as it was the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine. If you folks forget how life was before all of these artificially created catastrophes came to our lifes we are then doomed. Corporate greed is just a simplistic explanation for what's going on. They want to keep prices high because we are on the second phase of Peak Oil, they wanna be sure we all both decrease our consumption, not because of climate-change but because they want to keep the last resources for themselves. Expect bigger crisis in the near future, Ukraine is just the tip of the iceberg.

[@fedupbin]

@@erikc8284 Then to bring in digital id, CBDC's and control us even more

[@Ova-bv4os]

@@erikc8284 Please learn to read. I pretty much just said what you said.

[@jellyboy123]

its disgusting. we going backwards in this day and age it shouldn’t be like this.

[@heidilecompte4198]

I’m in tears reading this. So unnecessary. Doesn’t have to be this way. A former great nation. So sad beyond words. I saw so much wealth on display at the Queens funeral.

[@DrScarface74]

Former looters and killers. Karma

[@Nutritipsdacarol]

I left UK last year with my family, before the war,the prices at that time was already rising, I think we made the right choice,hope the British people stay safe 🙏 and warm,I have to much love for your country where I did many friends and learned a lot about life ,I had my second baby in uk ,I worked many nights at home cares , special needed children, all this make me a better person, I'm grateful for everything. Stay strong Best wishes from Brazil

[@jellyboy123]

i’ve notice in my house knocking off the heating my house is going damp people need to turn on their heating to dry their homes.

[@Luna.3.3.3]

I'm very sorry for all those affected. Prices are rising all over the world for different things, but utilities going up so dramatically in the UK is devastating. ~I wish you all well from Canada 🇨🇦

[@ruqhayam1214]

The Royal’s expenses went up sky high 2022 too but the public can’t afford to warm up their own homes 😢

[@gillianbritton833]

Thank you for your kind thoughts

[@Luna.3.3.3]

@@gillianbritton833 💕

[@clyth41]

I'm very worried about the ill and the elderly this winter, it's going to be very tough on them. I live on my own so I don't have my heating on hardly. I wear jumpers and have a quilt around me on my seat, and I'm quite happy because I live alone... It's going to be awful this winter for some, we all need to check in our elderly neighbours if we have them, because they will need help...x

[@teressabennett6998]

do you realize rubbing alcohol burns clean indoors and you can use a cotton swab dipped in vaseline and put some alcohol in a oven bowl inside a terra cotta pot with the cotton ball and it will give you some heat

[@vahidbuljkic2334]

This is what happened in Romania under Chaushesku. The only difference is in UK is done democratically.

[@compass2201]

Sorry but I vehemently oppose 'warm spaces'. It's not even a band aid solution and these places are open a few hours at best a day and not when it's actually 'cold cold' whilst putting much more strain on public and third sector services whilst the government turn a blind eye. These places are thinking they are doing good but the reality is, it's the cheapest way to give PR. In these situations (and I fall into that bracket too) - preparedness and shopping around is key. Stop normalising such crap as if we should expect this for decades to come from our dickensian government

[@Bhappi137]

To everyone you are not alone , you are loved ❤

[@TracyW-me8br]

Britain’s resourcefulness always amazes me. They can get through misery like no other.

[@ompaloompa4970]

Prayers for all these people 🥺

[@Nightshaders]

I grew up in the UK, I remember the ice in the inside of the windows, we only ever put the central heating on at Christmas for one week, we could afford to heat water for baths once a week, the rest of the time is was getting washed in cold water. My Dad worked two jobs, we owned our home, we had holes in the carpet, slept with old army blankets and coats piled on to keep us from freezing, 2 kids to each bed for warmth. That was from 1965 to 1980, it shouldn't have happened then, it shouldn't be happening now, but this is NOT new.

[@cac2821]

It’s time to rise and make the forgotten voices heard

[@valerieannrumpf4151]

I'll be making my voice heard at the ballot box this Tues November 8th when the US has their midterm elections for both hoses of Congress. Whether the politicians decide to actually listen to us I can't say, but at least I will try to make my voice heard in p peaceful and civil manner by voting.

[@cac2821]

@@valerieannrumpf4151 if vomiting was the solution, it would have already have worked.

[@MrLoobu]

If most people had critical thinking brains in their heads, then the collective rage in their hearts would change the world. Neither seem to be present, despite how fast many things are going down hill globally. The enemy must have succeeded in confusing, dividing and conquering to so easily enslave people without a fight.

[@djholliday5132]

Our grandparents lived through the great depression. The US & UK experienced tremendous growth & prosperity post WWII. The good times are over. The dream is dead. Current management can't get it together. History could repeat very soon. Providing for our families becomes more difficult each month.

[@charlottebowes7666]

So the adverts for the military forces step up…Here we go again 🙄

[@christinefitzgerald5187]

Absolutely disgusting that people have to leave their homes just to keep warm.

[@sherimillman53]

Parent who cannot afford bills and food may feel like they have to give up their children to care homes. How sad to repeat these times.

[@b62boom1]

This is utterly shameful, and all to feed the bank accounts of shareholders.

[@colorecstasy6673]

What is the point of these people have homes but no heat to live in them. This is a human crisis! It’s happening amongst all industrialized “rich” nations. There is only one rich though. The corporations and their CEO’s that can pay criminally low wages to increase their profits! We don’t take care of our seniors, disabled, veterans and mothers who are at home and can’t work because they are raising young children. They are not lazy! The have worked, they have served, they are raising the next generation. They deserve to be treated as a human being with dignity and deserve to have heat! Goddammit!

[@judithvallembois2744]

It really doesn't help to curse God. He is the only one who can help now. The people who have caused this problem will be judged, some sooner and some later. Revenge belongs to the Lord. God will also give wisdom to those ask. He delights to have a relationship with His people.

[@Ekaterina_Anufrieva]

It's just horrendous! No simple people should suffer so much. I hope every international quarrels will end soon and you will live peacefully

[@rachelcarter2036]

I cant afford to put my heating on and its cold , im dreading it getting colder 😩

[@jeanniemullinder9038]

same here, I'm a disabled pensioner and really feeling it.

[@coffeepot3123]

Should be mandatory in every household to at least have one wood burning stove, seems like we cannot rely on our governments on this planet to keep basic amenities like electricity available. (By available i mean affordable)

[@angelicasims4511]

@@coffeepot3123 I think the couple over the road are going to regret having their chimney capped before all this started.

[@charlottetaylor4471]

Remember, there's always plenty of money out there, it's just in the wrong pockets.

[@edelgyn2699]

Fagin and the Artful Dodger had a solution for that!

[@cocoaorange1]

Ain't that the truth!

[@ep1929]

Can anyone actually see a way that the UK is going to get out of this whole mess? I cannot see a way out, the country as a whole is up to the eyeballs in debt, everybody moaning, strikes, NHS in meltdown, food banks, warm banks, mortgage rates up, private rent going up and so many people dependent on state help. I know it sounds grim & it is, the question is how will we get out of this turmoil?

[@LilyGazou]

Build a parallel economy. Work off the books. Barter. Grow food. Raise chickens. Etc

[@NicoletteEBedford]

I am so sorry to read how you are making the best of life at the start of Winter. I am in Cape Town and today, i needed one, good quality brown bread, 2litres of full cream milk, a 50 gr, packet of baking powder, and 750 ml bottle of Sunflower oil. This added up to R91.95. which is about 4£'s. I gave cashier a R100 note so my change was R8.10.

[@NicoletteEBedford]

Actually, i think google said, £4.87! I have always used stone ground flour, and instead of baking cake i now make muffins, using dry fruit or just plain with a sprinkle of mixed seed on top. Perfect for lunch with mashed egg or cheese. The ancient grain future life bread we buy, has soo many vitamins etc added so one really dsnt need pills. I am retired so find penny pinching a challenge! 🌻

[@barrymayson2492]

This should not have too exist!!! What an absolute disgrace in a western country!! I am totally shocked by this and disgusted by the government who have let this happen by their policies.

[@susiefairfield7218]

Sitting here in south west florida without electricity still...no the power is up but due to damage and loss of income and no fema funding coming in yet we cant get our power back on. It is sweltering for November but i wont sweat to death so i am sending thoughts and prayers to those who cant keep the electric on this winter🙏 Super Stressful this 2022 STAY STRONG PEOPLE 🤘🏾🤗💪🏾💗

[@gpo746]

I am without heating and on a 1.8w Bulb just to see, my luxury is the internet , I dont have a TV anymore as I cannot afford the license . I can barely afford to eat . I dont smoke or drink or do drugs but I DO work . Majority of my money goes out in bills . TIP: If you can , invest in a good quality flask and when you have boiled the kettle for a cuppa put the remaining hot water in the flask. This way , water and gas is not being wasted to give a little hot water from the tap . I can fill a sink full of water before it starts to come through warm. Total waste. its surprising how little hot water you need to do the pots. After I have done the pots I can top up the flask with the kettle after making evening drinks . I take the flask upstairs and use it to get a wash on the night and in the morning . Its an investment but it DOES save lots of water and gas being wasted and unlike running the tap its INSTANT !

[@dead_or_alive2649]

Are you kidding me “warm spaces”? I can assure you that the politicians whom created this mess will be nice and toasty in winter.... paid for by those same taxpayers who cannot afford their electricity. This is beyond appalling in any western country. How about we stop sending even a dime to any other country until ours are taken care of and that includes Ukraine! I also bet the immigrants they’re housing in the hotels won’t need to use “warm spaces” since their rooms are heated free of charge. Utterly ridiculous on so many levels.

[@elenafoleyfoley168]

God love everyone going through this 💔 How very sad living this way in 2022😥

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

People who lived in Western nations in the late 20th century would find the current state of the West horrifying.

[@agnescassar7604]

This is so sad I'm really sorry for what these people are going through

[@conorgraafpietermaritzburg3720]

Yup, so much for the 'developed ' world, the UK will suddenly remember why they built an empire

[@michellewerries7433]

This is absolutely evil. In this time, in a first world country, this should not be happening.

[@chrisbarnes2823]

How has the UK managed to get to the point of people not being able to afford to pay for basic energy use? There is hardly any insulation in UK homes and it’s damp in the winter, the heat in the house just goes out through the walls and roof.

[@lexi8679]

It's not a new idea to go to public places that are warm. I did this when my son was in school and I worked nights while his step dad was in work during the day. I'd sit in the library for hours reading and using the computer. You could have a tea or coffee for 20p or bring a flask. It's frustrating with both of us working we struggled to pay bills back then. Now things are completely ridiculous. Yet the rich stay rich and and working families are poor. 😥

[@NZKiwi87]

Holy mackerel. I’m In New Zealand and didn’t know things were like this overseas. In England!

[@cathymillar9900]

The times we are living in are definitely challenging

[@janetpugliesi3203]

It is shameful that so many need help... however it is great that programs such as these are there to assist...

[@juneszabo2727]

The government couldn’t care less, their motto is I’m ok Jack!!!!!!!!

[@sct4040]

This is shameful on the UK government.

[@thelaughingtiger146]

The rich just keep price gouging and getting richer.

[@rknow78229]

Why doesn't the government just nationalize the energy industry for the next couple of years to keep prices low until the recession ends.

[@niamhnoonan5869]

It's absolutely disgraceful to leave people suffering like this yet their taking migrant's in costing millions absolutely no sense whatsoever

[@Jaimechann]

Don’t blame the most vulnerable. Blame the people in power hoarding vast wealth and committing economic self harm on the country but make us pay for it. Blame the people who’ve never known hardship in all their life and could solve all the problems were facing now if they would just learn to share.

[@charlottemacgregor5061]

I don’t think if we stopped spending money on asylum seekers, that is public would have any more money. We can help both.

[@jenlin6715]

As much as migrants who are economic migrants mainly who are here to basically to work and send money to their Home Countries this crisis could be sorted by government but sadly there is no money left due to their crazy budgets. Hope truss is happy with her 115k a year for 44 days of work, she has made many lives harder

[@eurekaelephant2714]

Yeah except thats what they want you to do. Talk about migrants etc. That way they get away with it time after time. The problems are the greedy elites and the gutless politicians who are empowering them, as well as a system that rewards greed.

[@sparrowflying864]

@@Jaimechann The migrants need to fix their own countries. If they can't fix their own countries then they can't do anything for yours! I'm sick of bleeding heart liberals who facilitate the destruction of their countries by allowing their own race to be decimated. These "migrants" ARE here to take your jobs, destroy your way of life and your children's futures. They will destroy your country and turn it into the same shytehole they came from. They don't know any other way!

[@helifynoe9930]

I was born in the UK, and it was completely normal that our house never had any heating. But I can say that we had plenty of blankets one the beds. I will never forget always quickly jumping under the sheets and curling up into a ball to hold on to body heat, and then wait until the sheets warm up before uncurling.

[@nevkrisjackson8065]

We grew up without central heating & used hot water bottles to warm our beds up . If cold of an evening we would snuggle up in a blanket. The lounge would be cosy when we had a log fire. Filling the flask with boiling water is a really good idea for hot drinks or soup later on. When we didn't have much money we would make delicious healthy meals like chicken stir fry, pasta bake, curry, shepherd's pie that go a long way . My husband could make 1 chicken do 10 meals including a tasty chicken & sweetcorn soup. The last few years we only had a small balcony but managed to grow spinach, tomatoes, radishes, strawberries, chives, mint even a capsicum. It's worth doing to add healthy food to your meals.

[@peaceandlove544]

I think families and neighbors and friends will be living together again like in old days, you cannot manage otherwise

[@Vent330]

British people at risk of freezing yet people who enter the country illegally are fed, clothed and kept in warm hotels, all at tax payers expense, the government should be doing the same for the British people who need it 🙄

[@dottieland7061]

How do you think people coped years ago? They adjusted to the situation and worked something out . Far too many people want a hand out than a hand up, think of the power cuts in the 70s . Adapt and survive instead of blaming the government about a situation they have little power over .

[@bethyrn6271]

It would be interesting for someone to do a study on how interpersonal interactions change through socializing in these small neighborhood spaces. In a way it may have the unintended consequence of bringing those people closer together and allowing them to communicate on a level that they missed during the pandemic.

[@lexi8679]

That's very true and I suppose a silver lining. I do really worry about disabled and elderly who are unable to leave their homes and travel to these warm spaces. They were the most isolated during the pandemic as well.

[@julianicholls8704]

yes, let's pay a few academics to study some of the benefits of suffering in poverty.

[@colleenduffy1139]

@@lexi8679 And the pandemic is still going...

[@lexi8679]

@@julianicholls8704 🤣 I'm laughing because you really wouldn't put it past the government to pay some so called expert to study the problem insteqf of fixing it would you 🙈

[@julianicholls8704]

@@lexi8679 The government can cut services, raise prices, privatize, fund oil and gas and do more studies. What they cannot do is tax the rich, fund the NHS, build renewable energy infrastructure. It is so bizarre, Lexi, that it should be funny. I just wish these vulnerable people were not cold.

[@pinkiesue849]

Your king honestly does not care, does he? I hope William will be a better king.

[@EllieJadeOke]

I feel really sorry for the people suffering like this. It's horrifying. We're not rich by any means, we have to rely on a Universal Credit top up although my husband works full time. The help we've had with Cost of Living payments and the £400 energy top up has meant that we haven't had to suffer like this, and for that I'm grateful. Although I can say that since moving out of a poorly insulated new build property that only had electric heating to a smaller gas heated property that is well insulated it has meant that we don't ever put the heating on at the moment anyway and that has probably saved us a lot. I used to think that people in a bad way were only in that position because they aren't spending wisely, are smoking, drinking and have debts up to their ears, and although that may still be the case, I feel for those who aren't doing any of the above and are still suffering. I think it does help that we're really frugal people. We definitely wouldn't survive if we had debts to pay off each month, if either of us had to fund bad habits, if we were picky eaters or materialistic. We deny ourselves and our children a lot compared to the average household, but we're still incredibly blessed and have so much, and are grateful for what we do have. We're also nearly 6 in a small 2 bed flat, but we're happy where we are and our children are all still young and get by sharing a small bedroom together. We have no plans to move anytime soon and don't really see the fuss or the need to do so. I only hope that things get better for people out there.

[@ampersand.]

How can there be "nearly" 6 of you?

[@EllieJadeOke]

@@ampersand. I'm about to give birth, there will be 6 of us when I do.

[@ampersand.]

@@EllieJadeOke A baby for Christmas! Congrats.

[@EllieJadeOke]

@@ampersand. thank you!

[@succ6102]

Becky is one of the most inspiring people I've seen on the internet

[@elipa3]

The UK is a poor country with some rich people. The money is there. Its just not distributed in the right way.

[@enochpowell8607]

People who are rich have worked hard at school college and university, and people who rely on the tax payer instead of doing a day's work hate the rich.. stop blaming the government the council and the refugees you losers ..

[@aquious953]

The answer: no more income tax, no more fuel and electricity tax, resulting in a much smaller government that puts regular citizens needs over supranational corporations. Job done.

[@anewstart6927]

👍

[@Pluscelamemechose]

It's not a cost of living crisis. It's a cost of supporting war mongers, and a proxy war with Russia. And the cost of supporting grown men from Albania, who eat gourmet and live in 5 star accommodation. It isn't the cost of living crisis. It's the cost of everyone else living crisis. How nice the crumbs are thrown to citizens, like dogs eating at the master's table. Take care of your own for a change. Shame on UK government. Shame, shame, shame. You "can't help everyone" really means you'd rather help anyone else. Pitiful. Shame on the new PM, business as usual. I'll bet his house is never cold.

[@robertlandin40]

Meanwhile the king rides around in a golden carriage. Like seriously, come on people. You kinda deserve it at this point.

[@GreyCrowe]

People getting poorer, while corporations and billionaires are getting bigger...more directly involved in legislation...and reporting record profits. I don't think that's a coincidence.

[@heyyall9378]

Warming centers. smdh. It's pathetic that a rich country should even need warming centers.

[@aspenenglish4976]

They’re wearing coats inside at the warming center. This seems insane to me that these people cannot heat their own apartments.

[@barbaramachado4605]

A Portuguese mother in her situation let's the kid in a garden center and goes to work... A lot of people don't work or work half time and expect the government to pay the rest here the government gives 50 euros per kid per mounth and nothing else.... We don't have kids expecting other to pay for them.

[@AutobotProwler]

This lasts as long as you ALLOW it and you do

[@WaningGibbous]

I wish I could adopt that family..no one should have to face that.

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

These warm spaces seem like a great place to organize support like in ww2. Learn to make quilts really warm (wool), buy in bulk splitting with large groups, learn to cook good food for very little money. Learn to raise rabbits and how to process them and use the furs. Wish I could be there to help with any tips I have. I’ve spent 15 years learning skills to be comfortable through another Great Depression. Appreciate and learn from the elderly people who come to stay warm!!! They def know things that can help!!

[@pinkiesue849]

Amanda please put up a website so we can learn from you.

[@ameliadeshane9192]

Agreed. Share your knowpedge. Spread it. People are starting to look for direction, and you have it.

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

Oh man. Ok I’m too shy to make videos but I’ll try to find somewhere that I can type things out and link KZbin videos for reference.

[@katedaniels9623]

Ive read that electricity and water is being shut off and denied to paying renters. Shut off at random times so that the ill or people with diff work schedules can’t bathe or have heat, these are PAYING renters

[@Anthony-ot8vl]

All that money given to the "royal" family.

[@harriettarandomina5275]

Greed, all this suffering for the greed of others!

[@kevind8446]

In the 1980s this situation was considered 3rd world - now its UK and greed of the UK wealthy - but where would they be without the UK poorest to do the work? If they test this \i think they may soon find they themselves ruined?????

[@kevind8446]

The new prime minister R Sunak has no clue how it really feels - a new clause to be Prime Minister of Uk should be a minimum of 2 years on state benefits to qualify - as there are plenty of experienced ]civil #servants to guide a new PM; shame on UK.

[@MsBizzyGurl]

Moving into one room and using a space heater for 3 hours/day basically keeps us warm. Blanket + microfiber on top works to keep us cozy overnight.

[@kittykatja5961]

This disgusting in the twenty first century in Britain, food banks now warm spaces, while companies are making huge profits.