Council chiefs are to back the establishment of a number of warm spaces to help people get through the winter.

The locations will be in addition to the borough's libraries, which already offer a warm and safe place for residents worried about spiralling heating bills.

The Council said: "Warm spaces are intended to provide residents with accessible places to go to keep warm, whilst also offering a range of additional facilities or activities, such as toilets, refreshments, free Wi-Fi and charging points."

It will be offering grants to local organisations to set up their own warm spaces for people to come together.

The Council said: "Successful grant applicants will be required to sign up to the Council's Warm Spaces Charter and will have their warm space listed on the Council's planned warm space directory."

Richmond Council is encouraging local voluntary sector groups to apply to the Cost of Living Fund, which provides grants to organisations delivering services to help residents keep warm and fed this winter.

Through the Cost of Living Fund, Richmond Council is providing £150K of grants to voluntary sector organisations working to meet the immediate needs of those struggling most during the crisis.

Council Leader, Cllr Gareth Roberts, said: "The reality of the cost of living crisis is here, and we are committed to ensuring people are able to eat well and stay warm this winter.

"I strongly encourage any voluntary sector group who is looking to assist residents to apply to the Cost of Living Fund.

"By working with our partners, the Council has already offered a huge amount of support to residents but more needs to be done.

"There are many organisations across our borough who already work hard to support their communities. It is therefore a priority for the Council to offer them the support they need to develop plans that will help our residents and businesses weather the storm."

Organisations planning to support residents in or at risk of food poverty are also being encouraged to apply for a grant. Richmond is currently covered by four Foodbank outlets as well as several initiatives that offer food surplus, however rising food prices have increased local need.

Cllr Roberts added: "If your organisation can provide services to help the most vulnerable in our borough to stay warm and fed this winter, and needs additional funding to do so, please apply.

"And for residents, please ensure you sign-up to our cost of living e-newsletter to keep up to date with new projects and initiatives."

The Fund is part of Richmond Council's £3 million allocation to finance urgent support packages which will help residents struggling as a result of the cost of living crisis, and part of its work with the voluntary sector to provide support where it is needed most.

Organisations will be able to apply for grants between £5k - £10k to support with items that are linked to the grant priorities. The deadline for applications is midnight on November 21.

Details on how to apply for funding as well as the application form can be found at www.richmond.gov.uk/cost_of_living_grant_fund

For organisations requesting less than £5,000 the Civic Pride Fund is open for applications on a rolling basis at this link https://www.richmond.gov.uk/civic_pride_fund

If you are an individual in need of support, or to learn more about how the Council is supporting residents, visit the Cost of Living Hub or sign up to the cost of living e-newsletter – https://richmond.gov.uk/services/cost_of_living_hub