‘Life or death:’ As Britons buckle under the cost of living crisis, many resort to ‘warm banks’ for heat this winter

Thousands of warm banks have opened their doors across the UK this winter, as household budgets are squeezed even further by spiking energy bills and inflation reaches a 40-year high, leaving many scrambling to pay for basic necessities. Above: A visitor serves himself a complimentary hot drink during a “Warm Spaces and Warm Welcomes” session at the Ashburton Hall community hub in Croydon, England.