Protests against the rising cost-of-living happening in Derry and Belfast

Rallies to highlight the pressures facing workers and families from rising energy bills are due to take place on Saturday in Belfast and Londonderry.

The separate protest come off the back of major energy hikes including gas and electricity which are due to kick in from early October.

This week Firmus Energy announced a 56.3% increase to its regulated tariff for domestic and small business customers in the Ten Towns and Greater Belfast areas.

Meanwhile, Click Energy announced the costs for billpayers will be rising 28.2 per cent, meaning the typical annual cost for a household will increase by £269.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Sandra Duffy, has encouraged people to attend a demonstration in the Guildhall Square at 1pm.

She said: “The latest catastrophic rise to gas prices announced by Firmus this week is deeply worrying for workers, families and small businesses across our city and district.

“People are already struggling to pay their bills. This is a cost-of-living emergency. Huge hikes to energy prices which will see household bills go through the roof is placing huge worry on families.

“The British government needs to introduce measures that will cut people’s bills and put a stop to people being ripped off. People in this city need an Executive up and running, ministers in place, and parties working together to put money in their pockets.

“I would urge people to attend a demonstration in the Guildhall Square at 1pm this Saturday afternoon to make it clear that the energy rip-off must end, and people have proper support.”

Meanwhile, The Cost of living Coalition's Enough is Enough rally is happening at the same time at City Hall.

It aims to send a message to energy suppliers over rising prices.

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• cost-of-living
• energy price increase
• belfast city hall
• Londonderry
• Derry
• guildhall