Kent and Sussex: Protests as energy bill rise comes into effect

Protests have been held in towns across Kent and Sussex against an increase in domestic energy bills.

Gas and electricity bills are going up by 10% after the energy price cap was lifted.

The Unite union organised demonstrations against the rise, which came into force on Tuesday, in Dover, Chatham, Canterbury, Brighton, and Crawley.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it is taking steps to protect vulnerable families, while the regulator Ofgem said the increase was due to “a volatile global gas market”.

Beccy Sawbridge, equalities officer for the Unite branch in Kent, told BBC Radio Kent: “The policy the government is bringing forward is beyond despicable and will affect the poorest of our citizens.”

Sarah Waite, from the Green Party in Dover and Deal, said: “The real serious issue that we ought to be dealing with in the UK is where we’ve got so many cold damp homes.”

A petition was collected at the protest In Brighton which will be sent to the government,

Local spokesperson Clara Astill told BBC Radio Sussex: “There’s already about six million people living in fuel poverty. It’s a desperate time.

“Ordinary people and workers will be suffering, people will be choosing between heat and eat, and we’re saying ‘no’.

“Cold homes kill.”

An spokesperson for Ofgem said: “Anyone who is struggling should make sure they have access to all the benefits they are entitled to, particularly pension credit, and contact their energy company for further help and support.

“This price rise is driven by our reliance on a volatile global gas market that is too easily influenced by unforeseen international events and the actions of aggressive states.

“Building a homegrown renewable energy system is the key to lowering bills and creating a sustainable and secure market that works for customers.”

A government spokesperson said: “The rise in energy bills is a worry for many families, putting in sharp focus the consequences of being too reliant on international oil and gas markets.

“That’s why we are pushing ahead with our mission for clean, homegrown power by 2030.

“We will also do everything possible to support vulnerable families this winter – including with the £150 warm home discount expected to support three million eligible households, while around 1.3 million households in England and Wales will continue to receive up to £300 in winter fuel payments.”

In September Kent County Council urged people to check if they are eligible for pension credit.

KCC estimated up to 18,000 people in the county could be leaving £68m they are entitled to unclaimed.