Fuel poverty protests to take place in Liverpool

Campaigners are calling for greater support to help with rising energy bills

Published 21st Jan 2023

Protests are being held in Liverpool and other cities across the UK today to highlight the number of people who are now living in fuel poverty.

Campaign groups are demanding the government bans forced prepayment meters, which disconnect families from their gas and electricity when they can't afford to top them up.

The action's being organised by Fuel Poverty Action, which is worried about the number of deaths linked to the issue.

Today's protest will see campaigners gathering at Pier Head, Liverpool, from 11.30.

Yesterday, vigils took place in Brighton, Cardiff, London and Leicester.

Andrew spoke to us at the event in Brighton - he says bills are becoming unaffordable:

"Even before the official beginning of the energy crisis, our bills had already gone up six times in the previous 18 months.

"In our house what we've had to do is save money on food."

It's a similar situation for Katy Young - who thinks the situation is becoming incredibly serious:

"People are dying, children are hungry and cold and unable to learn.

"Warm hubs are having to be set up for people to go to. It's just not good enough."

The government's pledged to help those struggling with the high cost of living.

A number of measures have been introduced including support payments for those in need of help.

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