Churches across Scotland have launched “warm hubs” to help people struggling to pay their heating bills this winter.

Congregations taking part in the initiative are encouraging vulnerable individuals and families to visit their halls for a few hours during the day to keep warm instead of shivering in cold homes that they cannot afford to heat and light.

Also known as heat hubs or warm spaces, many churches are providing free wi-fi so people can sit and work on their laptops and school children can do their homework.

A response to the cost of living crisis, it is hoped that the emergency provision in cities, towns and villages will also help combat social isolation and loneliness.

The Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: “Church members are acutely aware of the financial pressure facing many people as the cost of living crisis bites.

“Some people are understandably anxious about how they will manage to pay their bills and the Church is keen to reassure them that there are places where they can go for some hours of the day as an alternative to worrying about sitting in homes they can scarcely afford to heat.

“Congregations are called to serve people in their parishes and at the heart of the Christian message is hospitality and welcoming the stranger, particularly those who are vulnerable.”

He added: “It is obscene that low-income families and individuals are being forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table in 21st century Britain due to political choices.

“Church members already help run food banks and food larders across the country and are determined to do more to help those who need it most in a practical way but we pray that the emergency provision of warm spaces is an exceptional one-off situation and does not become the norm.

“In May, the General Assembly appealed to the UK Government to do everything in its power to help redress the imbalance between those with great wealth and those struggling against poverty.

“Energy companies should be taxed on unearned profits to address the crisis of fuel poverty across the UK to help make our national life fairer and more just and welfare benefits should be raised by at least the rate of inflation.” (See page 12)