October 1st marks International Day of Older People. Alongside the celebrations, the day also features a call for government action on an issue that is affecting millions of older people.
Fuel Poverty Action (FPA) is marking the day with a protest against fuel poverty outside the Labour Party annual conference in Liverpool.
The demo coincides with a scheduled rise in energy bills, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s closing speech. FPA supporters are urging the government to address rising energy costs, demanding urgent action through their Energy For All campaign – supported by NPC – which calls for every household to receive enough energy to meet basic needs.
An FPA spokesperson says: “It’s time to make some noise and raise our voices for Energy For All.” The group criticises government spending on “unproven technologies” and cuts to winter fuel payments and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), arguing that these policies leave millions struggling.
The protest comes as spiralling energy prices leave on million UK households behind with their bills. A report from the Resolution Foundation found that energy debts have more than doubled in last 12 years. The report found that higher energy costs mean households are still paying 50% more for each unit of gas they use than they were before the energy crisis.
Diane Abbott MP tweeted: “Data from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition shows over £450 billion in profits from a sample of 20 energy companies since before the crisis began. You are being ripped off.”
The demonstration on Wednesday October 1st will assemble from 09:30am at the Wheel of Liverpool; the main protest begins at 12:00pm ahead of the Prime Minister’s speech. More information here.
Labour Hub 