MP Jonathan Edwards called for ‘Warm Banks of Winter’ as he warned the people of Carmarthenshire East to be prepared for a national crisis as the cost of living continues to rise.

On August 26, energy regulator Ofgem will announce the new price cap due to come into force on October 1. Back in April, it increased by 54 per cent, pushing the typical household fuel bill to £1,971.

Recent projections have suggested an increase of about 70 per cent to £3,359 a year – and in January prices will go up again by an estimated 8 per cent.

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Mr Edwards stated: "We are about to enter a period of unprecedented household misery as energy and food price increases outpace incomes.

"Action at community level, by setting up communal warm areas, can help the most vulnerable out of their cold homes and to a warmer environment.

"We are facing a gigantic task with little time to prepare. I would like the Local Authority to urgently set up a summit with local third sector groups to see what we can put together before the colder months of the year are reached.

"I fully understand that the county council is facing enormous pressure to deliver basic services, however they are probably best placed to lead on this in Carmarthenshire to see what is possible.

“I would urge the Welsh Government to provide financial assistance to local authorities to form a strategy for local warm banks.”