Martin Lewis: New guide to setting up a 'warm space' – somewhere for people to come in from the cold

"I wasn't the only one thinking it. I was both saddened and gladdened to quickly hear from a few councils and libraries already planning to do just that, as well as many organisations who wanted to help, but were asking how to do it.

"This guide is the culmination of that. I asked CILIP to research and collate best practice information, on how to do it, and I am delighted that they accepted the commission. It's not just for libraries, it's for any organisation wanting to set up a warm space (the name has rightly changed too, a warm space is a far more approachable place than a warm bank). I do hope you find it useful. You can find it on CILIP's website.

"Of course, warm spaces are far from a panacea, not everyone will be able to get to warm spaces, not everyone will want to, and people will still need to heat their homes sometimes. Yet I think they will turn out to be crucial extra help to get a decent number of vulnerable people through the winter.

"And while we now have the energy price guarantee, which has thankfully substantially limited the energy price rises this coming winter, on average, rates are still roughly double those of last winter. So help is still very much needed."

I hope you find the guide useful, and do let me know below if you plan on setting up a warm space or plan on going to one this winter.