Families in the UK are struggling this winter to heat their houses.  Because of Russia’s war with Ukraine many countries have shut of trade with Russia and the UK is no exception.  But this decision is hurting the citizens of the UK dearly.  The UK used to get a big portion of the gas they needed to heat their houses from Russia meaning now they have no way to get the coal they need to keep their houses warm.  Some people have switched over to electric heating but there’s a big problem with that.  UKs electrics price cap went up by 80% October 1.  Because of this many people are not able to afford to heating. 

            When someone cant get something essential like heat in winter they tend to resort in other was of finding it.   Some people have started to get coal off the black market or even buying a wood stove and using that to keep their houses warm.  But there are many places around the UK that are setting up warm banks.  Warm banks are places where people can go for free to warm up if they are not able to afford to heat their house.  They have been set up by charities, councils, and community groups, along with several businesses across the UK to help out those who are struggling.