'Enough is Enough' organise day of action in Essex as typical energy bills rise again
It's a 27% increase, but the average amount we have to pay has been capped at the current level by Government for the next two years
Last updated 1st Oct 2022
From today the typical household energy bill will rise from just shy of ÂŁ2,000 to ÂŁ2,500.
It's a 27% increase, that's largely been caused by a strain on the supply of Russian and Ukrainian natural gas and oil, caused by the on-going conflict.
The Government has capped the average price at this level for the next two years, but another jump in prices has seen The 'Enough is Enough' campaign organise a 'National day of action' in Essex and around the country.
Marches are taking place in Southend, Colchester and Harlow today.
They are demanding a cut to soaring bill, a ÂŁ15 an hour minimum wage and an end to food poverty, among other things.
"It's going to affect everyone in the UK"
Brooke Cadwell is one those taking part.
She says nobody can escape today's hike in our bills:
"Many of us are in entry level jobs, which means that we won't get enough money to pay the bills. But of course, that doesn't just mean young people it means anyone of any age. it's going to affect everyone in the UK, even those who are on a good salary- it's going to affect them as well. It doesn't matter what salary you are on, what job you have- if you are not getting a pay increase you're getting a pay cut".
"We are going to have to choose between heating and eating. That will be the case for nearly all of us, me included. Me, my friends and people I know will have to choose not to heat their homes. Over the winter we are already discussing the idea of the fact that we are going to have to not put the heating on at all, I'm sure that I'm not going to be the only person in Norfolk who is going to experience this".
What are the Government doing to help those struggling?
In addition to capping the average household energy bill, from today the most vulnerable will start receiving ÂŁ400 off these bills from the Government- one of six sums being given out through autumn and winter.