The Welsh Government has confirmed £1.5 million of funding for more than 400 warm hubs and warm spaces across Wales, as part of its budget for 2025 to 20261. The announcement was published on 22 December 20251.
The funding builds on previous investment totalling £4 million since 2022, and the government says it has ensured hubs can support communities throughout the year, not just during winter months1. Warm hubs are tailored to meet local needs and receive funding through local authorities, relying on volunteers1.
The hubs offer safe and welcoming spaces where people of all ages can meet, access advice, stay warm, and connect with others in their local community1. Many provide practical help with managing bills, claiming benefits, and accessing energy-saving advice, as well as social activities, learning new skills, or simply a warm drink or food and friendly conversation1. They also help people access library services, health and wellbeing activities, housing and benefit advice, employment support, IT training, and services delivered by partner organisations1.
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, recently visited the Hub for Llandaff North and Gabalfa in Cardiff to see how these spaces make a difference1. The hub, which opened in 2017, welcomed 168,073 visitors in 2024 to 2025, making it one of Cardiff's busiest community facilities1. It features a modern community café, quiet study areas, and fully accessible facilities1.
"During my visit to Llandaff North and Gabalfa, I saw the incredible difference hubs make to people's lives, providing not just warmth and practical support, but a real sense of community and belonging."
The investment is part of a wider Welsh Government package of support including the Discretionary Assistance Fund, Single Advice Fund Services, and Fuel Vouchers Scheme1. Further detail on related grants and schemes is published separately.
Why it matters for households
Warm hubs give households somewhere to spend time outside the home without running their own heating, and many combine that with face-to-face help on bills, benefits and energy-saving advice1. For a home trying to hold down energy use, that can mean fewer hours of heating during the coldest part of the year, and access to advice that may not be available elsewhere. The funding is routed through local authorities rather than paid directly to households, so the practical effect depends on what each hub offers locally1. The government says the money has allowed hubs to operate year-round rather than only in winter1.
What happens next
The funding commitment sits within the Welsh Government's budget for 2025 to 20261. No further allocation, application process or closing date for the scheme has been reported1.