Kent schools should open on evenings and weekends to keep children warm this winter, urges a councillor.

Thanet county councillor Karen Constantine (Lab) has suggested schools stay open beyond their normal study hours amid the cost of living crisis.

It comes as Kent families face a sharp rise in energy prices, such as heating, gas and electricity, with average UK household bills forecast to rise from a current record of £1,971 to more than £3,200 in October.

In a recent letter to KCC leader Roger Gough, Cllr Constantine said: “I think time is of the essence.

"As we are enjoying warm weather at the moment it may seem inappropriate to raise the topic of cold homes.

“But with household budgets already stretched to maximum, there’s not a moment to be lost in planning on how to keep our residents warm, fed and safe. Ultimately lives depend on it.”

The Ramsgate member asked KCC's leader: ”Can schools remain open during evenings and weekends, so our children can both study and relax in warmth?”

Medway Foodbank project manager, Lorraine Schulze, who has a background in education, said she believed it was a "very good idea" to open schools for longer.

She said: "Schools are usually warm and welcoming and safe places for children to be.

"However there would be an impact on the staffing of that and schools would need to receive adequate financial help in order to do that."

KCC says a full report on the cost of living crisis is already underway and will be considered by Kent's elected representatives at full council next month.

County councillors, from across all political stripes, have been left divided over the feasibility of the schools proposal put forward by KCC’s Labour group.

Green county councillor Mark Hood, of Tonbridge, voiced his concerns over the demanding pressures that schools would face, such as overworking. He said: “Teachers are currently at breaking point.”

Conservative county councillor Gary Cooke, of Maidstone South East, said out of hours school services already exist, such as breakfast and afternoon clubs. He said: “There is nothing to stop the schools staying open longer anyway.”

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrats county councillor Ian Chitenden, of Maidstone North East, favoured more local community engagement as seen amid Covid.

Cllr Chittenden also believes Labour’s school proposal would be “difficult” to implement. He added: “Emergency support can be offered in other ways, with regard to food, clothing, blankets and sleeping bags.”

KCC's leader Roger Gough (Con) has declined to comment.

Kent's cost of living crisis will be discussed at KCC’s next full council meeting on Thursday, September 15, from 10am, in Sessions House, Maidstone.