Monday October 26th 2026
Edinburgh City Chambers
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Nicholas Malizia
Councillors will vote over whether to allocate reserve funding to create designated warm spaces across the capital this winter.
In winter 2022, Edinburgh Council launched a programme called Warm and Welcoming Spaces with a network of over 60 venues where residents could access heating and support.
The service will be brought before Full Council on Thursday, October 29 for reconsideration heading into this winter. Councillor Vicky Nicolson (SNP) has filed a motion to revive and expand the programme this year.
The Inverleith councillor has suggested allocating £25,000 of reserves to fund a grant programme for implementation this winter.
She cited the ongoing cost of living crisis as impetus for reigniting the service.
Her motion stated: “The cost-of-living crisis has not gone away. Across Edinburgh, people continue to face impossible choices between heating their homes, putting food on the table and paying essential household bills.
“The 2022 programme showed what can be achieved when the Council works with Edinburgh’s outstanding third sector and community organisations to provide practical support close to where people live.
“At a time when household budgets remain under pressure, and with the awareness of reserves which were previously prioritised to support community resilience, it is incumbent on us as councillors to request these reserves are called upon to help community organisations which are facing growing demand to deliver immediate, practical support to people who need it.”
Spaces like libraries, community centres, museums, and galleries were equipped as spaces where residents could stay warm and access services when the service was active in 2022.
Cllr Nicolson proposed that Warm Spaces can this year provide free activities, refreshments, access to food support, welfare advice, charging facilities, energy and fuel-poverty advice, and signposting to broad resources such as NHS services.
The programme would work in tandem with the capital’s third sector organisations to inject funding into communities quickly in time for winter. Councillors will vote this coming week on whether to approve the plans and funding.
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