Steve Darling MP calls for action on Warm Spaces in Torbay as Council fails to deliver

Steve Darling MP calls for action on Warm Spaces in Torbay as Council fails to deliver

Steve Darling MP and local Lib Dem councillors have written to the CEO of Torbay council calling for more warm spaces in Torbay. This comes after the council’s apparent failure to deliver on its commitment to support residents during cold weather.

Liberal Democrat councillors Swithin Long and Cordelia Law pressured Torbay Council in early December 2024 at Full Council, to implement more warm spaces. Cllr Long argues, “It is outrageous that after caving in to pressure and promising warm spaces that the Conservative administration have not delivered as promised. Residents who could have been warmer this winter will not have been.” No progress appears to have been made, leaving many vulnerable residents without access to this vital support.

With no information about warm spaces on the Torbay Council website, staff having no knowledge of warm spaces when contacting the Environmental Health and Community departments and residents being referred to the Rough Sleepers Initiative service, it seems the council’s promise has gone unfulfilled.

Steve Darling MP said:

"The council's inaction on providing warm spaces during the current cold snap is deeply concerning. My team has managed to locate one warm space in Torquay, but when we pressed for details about provision in Brixham and Paignton, we were met with confusion. This lack of coordination leaves residents out in the cold—literally."

The issue highlights the pressing need for clear communication and effective delivery of services for residents, particularly during winter when access to warm spaces can be a lifeline for many.

Cllr Nick Pentney adds, "this is a really disappointing dereliction of duty by the Conservative leadership at Torbay Council. With several weeks of winter still to come, they must resolve this as a matter of urgency."

Steve, with support of his Liberal Democrat colleagues, has written directly to the Chief Executive of Torbay Council, demanding urgent clarification and immediate action to ensure warm spaces are available across the constituency.  

Cllr Cordelia Law confirms that "I raised this at a cabinet meeting in December and it is really disappointing that nothing has come forward despite reassurances."

Steve added: "Warm spaces are not a luxury; they are a necessity, especially for the elderly, families struggling with energy costs, and other vulnerable groups. I urge Torbay Council to honour its promise and implement a comprehensive warm space scheme without further delay,"