Operating 3,723 Heating Shelters Through UK's Warm Welcome Campaign
Providing Free Spaces for Those Struggling with Soaring Energy Costs
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Thousands of 'warm spaces' have opened across the UK, which is suffering from soaring energy bills.
As of the 26th (local time), according to the Warm Welcome campaign website in the UK, 3,723 warm spaces are operating nationwide. The homepage's initial screen displays a message stating, "This winter, we support organizations providing spaces to warmly welcome people struggling with heating." Users can access information about warm spaces operating in their desired areas by entering postal codes or searching maps.
This campaign involves religious organizations such as churches, civic groups, companies, and local organizations. Although the operators vary, they share the common goal that no one should suffer from heating issues this winter. The scale and operation methods of warm spaces vary widely, from small neighborhood church study rooms to community centers and libraries. Some places open only one day during the week, while others are open five days a week. All spaces are heated warmly and are free to use. Some locations also offer simple refreshments such as tea or coffee.
Grace Richardson, who works at a welfare organization in Norwich, eastern UK, told CNN, "Providing warm spaces this winter is very important to help people turn off all the switches at home and save on living expenses." She emphasized, "Most users of the shelters have regular jobs, but they still cannot properly pay their heating bills, which is different from before." About 25 visitors come daily to the shelter Richardson operates, including young parents, students in their 20s, and pension recipients, representing a diverse range of ages and statuses.
Energy prices in the UK have surged sharply since early last year. From October last year to October this year, gas and electricity prices increased by 129% and 66%, respectively. To reduce the burden, the UK has capped household energy bills at ?2,500 (approximately 3.85 million KRW) annually, but this is still a 96% increase from last year's ?1,277.
Meanwhile, bleak forecasts suggest that the UK's energy crisis will continue into next year. Experts note that while other European countries are directly regulating energy suppliers by limiting price hikes, the UK has relatively weaker regulations, managing the situation through discounts and other methods, resulting in a larger increase in energy costs.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, each local government designates and operates cold weather shelters in senior centers, welfare centers equipped with heating facilities, or nearby lodging establishments during winter.
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