Heatwave: Lib Dems call on Govt to open community ‘cool hubs’ for vulnerable people as temperatures soar

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

• The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to open up ‘cool hubs’ in public spaces with air-conditioning, such as gyms, to provide relief for vulnerable people in heatwaves.
• The elderly and those in inadequate housing are particularly at risk as Government data estimated 2,295 deaths were associated with heatwaves in Summer 2023, with Spring 2025 already the warmest and sunniest on UK record.
• With millions of Brits living in poorly insulated homes, Lib Dems call for the delivery of an emergency Home Upgrade Programme to keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to open up air conditioned public buildings as ‘cool hubs', to provide relief to vulnerable people during summer heatwaves, as millions suffer unbearable temperatures in inadequate housing.

Community spaces with air conditioning such as gyms, leisure centres and libraries could provide much needed respite from soaring temperatures in summer months, following similar ‘cool bank’ schemes in other countries.

Heatwaves pose a serious public health threat. Those suffering from health conditions, in care homes, and temporary accommodation are particularly at risk from extreme heat. An estimated 2,295 deaths were associated with 5 different periods of heat in Summer 2023.

The chances of recording temperatures over 40 degrees in the UK are now ‘rapidly increasing’ according to the Met Office, and Spring 2025 was the hottest on record in the UK.

The Lib Dems are also urging the government to urgently prepare the country for more extreme weather by upgrading inadequate housing. They have called for an emergency Home Energy Upgrade programme, which would provide free insulation and heat pumps for low-income households, helping to keep homes cooler in summer months and warmer in winter months.

Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson Pippa Heylings MP said:

“Cool hubs could provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our communities who are struggling in the sweltering conditions.

“Public spaces are there to serve their community, so it's absolutely right that they should provide much needed refuge during heatwaves.

“We are woefully unprepared for climate change impacts. For far too many people in this country, the temperatures in poorly insulated homes are simply unbearable. The Government must now get on with urgently upgrading homes to help keep families cool and safe.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Met Office, Spring and Summer 2025 warmest and Sunniest on record: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2025/double-record-breaker-spring-2025-is-warmest-and-sunniest-on-uk-record

Met Office, Met Office report details rising likelihood of UK hot days: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2025/met-office-report-details-rising-likelihood-of-uk-hot-days

Heat mortality monitoring report: 2023: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-mortality-monitoring-reports/heat-mortality-monitoring-report-2023