The figure uncovered by Labour research and Freedom of Information requests is at least three times greater than earlier estimates.

While disadvantaged people struggle to afford heating due to soaring energy costs, around 13,000 “warm banks” operate in the UK.

In response to the cost of living crisis, council and partner organisations launched the facilities in public locations such as libraries, cafes, and churches. Prior estimates placed the number of warm banks in the UK at 3,000 and 4,000; a Labour Party analysis of local records and Freedom of Information requests reveals that at least 12,834 have opened.

They are utilised by millions of individuals who struggle to cover the cost of house heating. An estimated three million low-income households cannot currently afford to heat.

Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow secretary for work and pensions, remarked that the staggering number of these facilities indicated that “foodbank Britain has become an everyday reality for thousands.” The Local Government Association (LGA) cautioned that the government should not view the “emergency plans” as a viable long-term solution to the problem of people being unable to heat their houses.

The typical household’s Energy Price Cap will increase by £500 to £3,000 in April, which is expected to push 8.6 million homes into fuel poverty.

Save the Children‘s head of UK impact; Dan Paskins, urged the government to utilise the forthcoming budget to “take greater action to aid families” and lower bills. “It would have been inconceivable even a year ago for children to be forced to seek refuge in warm banks because their houses were so frigid. “Unfortunately, expanding such a wide network of warm rooms is not unexpected,” he remarked.

“We are aware that many parents cannot afford to heat their homes, with some being compelled to install costly prepayment meters or cut off their energy supply. It is inexcusable that electricity costs will increase again in April.”

Labour demands that the government increase its existing windfall tax and use the revenues to prevent the April price ceiling increase.

Mr Ashworth stated, “Foodbank Britain has become a weekly reality for thousands of individuals.” Meanwhile, as energy companies report record profits, thousands of so-called “warm banks” are opening because families and senior citizens cannot pay to keep warm. “I commend people stepping up in the lack of official help to assist the neediest, but it shouldn’t be this way.”

Richard Wenham, the vice-chairman of the LGA’s Resources Board and senior Conservative councillor, stated, “Warm hubs and other similar schemes are among the many actions councils are taking to assist those in greatest need this winter, but these emergency schemes should not become the norm and are not a sustainable solution to bridge the gap between income and the current cost of living.”

“We recognise the pressures caused by the rising cost of living, which is why we provided £1,200 of direct support to millions of households last year, including £400 towards energy costs, and will provide an additional £1,350 of support to the most vulnerable households in 2023-24,” said a Government spokesperson.

In addition, our Energy Price Guarantee will save the average household an additional £900 this winter, benefits and the state pension will be increased in step with inflation by 10.1% beginning in April, and our Household Support Fund will assist individuals with vital needs. “In recognition of their crucial role in protecting the most vulnerable, we are providing councils with an additional £5.1 billion this year to ensure they have the means to sustain and enhance their frontline services.”