Demonstrators protesting energy price hike gather across the South
The energy regulator's price cap has risen by 10%
Demonstrators have gathered in Guildhall Square to protest against the recent energy price hike, calling for price guarantees and the nationalisation of energy companies.
Members of Unite Community led the demonstration, objecting to the 10 per cent increase in gas and electricity prices after energy regulator Ofgem set the new price cap for October to December.
This change sees the average annual bill rise from £1,568 to £1,717 for a typical household using gas and electricity and paying by direct debit.
Unite Community, a group formed by the Unite union, warned that the price rise would push millions into poverty and hardship.
The protest was held as part of the ‘Unite for Energy for All’ campaign, which is calling for fair energy prices, the restoration of the winter fuel allowance, retrofitting homes, an end to forced prepayment meters, and the renationalisation of energy services.
Older people "frightened" and facing the winter with "trepidation"
One pensioner, Lorraine Philpott, told Greatest Hits Radio that winter fuel payments help to "pay the big bill in the winter."
"I'm disgusted cause I've worked since I'm 15 years old and I've paid my money."
She accused the government of "robbing old people."
"I think they're targeting an old pensioner this Labour government, shame on you."
Unite Portsmouth rep Alan Burgess said many elderly people are "really hurting this winter."
"We're facing the possibility of no heating, and older people are going to die from this."
Similar fears were shared by Shirley Sidaway, a support co-ordinator at the charity Helping Older People New Forest.
She said some of the most vulnerable would turn their boilers down to save money.
"There are so many that are just living with mobility issues, with health issues, where they've got to stay warm."
Ms Sidaway said many older people were "frightened" and facing the winter with "trepidation".
"They will be very cold, and they haven't necessarily got people looking out for them."
The government have defended the cut to winter fuel payments, which could be up to £300 for those eligible, due to an alleged £22bn black hole in public finances that it's claimed was left by their Conservative predecessors.
The Conservatives say claims of a financial black hole are false.