Plymouth offers £160,000 in grants to fund warm spaces for vulnerable residents this winter
Non-profit groups can apply for grants of £2,100 to £5,350 as part of a £4m household support package from government
Plymouth City Council has made £160,000 available in grants for local organisations to help vulnerable people this winter, council leaders said.
The funding, provided by the government, will be distributed to non-profit groups in individual grants ranging from £2,100 to £5,350 to support warm spaces and community connections as households face rising costs. Applications can be made via the council website until 26 September.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, who announced the scheme, said the grants were intended to help people struggling to heat their homes. "We are doing this because we know people in Plymouth are still feeling the pressure of rising costs and heating your home in winter makes life harder," he said.
The council said the £160,000 is part of a broader £4 million household support package it has been allocated by the government to assist residents with the cost of living during 2025 and 2026. The money is intended to fund a range of local initiatives that provide warm indoor spaces, community activity and practical support through the colder months.
Local organisations that previously ran warm spaces, including churches and community centres, have been among the groups applying for council support. In 2024, venues such as Plymouth Unitarian Church operated as warm spaces to offer residents a heated place to spend time and access community services.
The council did not provide a breakdown of how many grants would be awarded or the total number of groups expected to benefit. Organisations seeking funding are required to apply online by the 26 September deadline and must meet the council's criteria for community and non-profit groups.
Council officials and partner organisations have said the scheme is part of efforts to mitigate immediate energy-related hardship for vulnerable households. The grant programme complements other local and national measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures, though details on additional support measures were not included in the council announcement.