Utility Prices - This stuff is getting real - 95 utility disconnections in a single day after one of the hottest week-ends on record.
Alison Dunn
Charity Chief Executive Officer, Solicitor, Social Justice Activist, Chair of Trustees for VONNE and Executive Director of Society Matters CIC
I’ve had a lot to say about utility costs recently, and shared many times my belief that we are sleep walking into a crisis.? Oh we know its coming for sure, its on every new bulletin, yet for some reason we’re doing very little about it – and by “we” I mean all of us, even you!?
We hear a lot from reporters, experts, business leaders and energy companies but I simply cannot understand why there is not more noise about this from consumers, because if you haven’t felt it yet, its definitely coming your way.? Why people are not in the streets protesting is a mystery to me -?I can only assume we are all lulled into a false sense of security by the balmy summer weather. I'd urge everyone to consider how they use their personal power, networks and influence to leverage more financial support and force a change of course.
And while we’re all "thinking" about rising winter energy costs, and what we can do about it, this stuff is becoming very real for some people.?In a single day, after one of the hottest week-ends on record, our charity dealt with 95 disconnections.?Yes – 95 in a single day.?Primarily people who have a pre-payment meter with no money to top up their meters over the week-end, calling us on a Monday morning after a miserable week-end and desperate for help.
So, if you think this is a problem for the future, think again.?This is happening right now in a house near you, and it’s happening in the summer so take a minute to let that sink in …… Its August.?
Can you imagine what life will be like over the winter months? The vulnerable will suffer. Health inequalities will deepen. People will die. I’ll leave you to ponder on that.???
Finally, if you, or someone you know is worried about rising energy costs reach out to your local Citizens Advice sooner rather than later, don't wait to be disconnected. ?You can find your nearest local Citizens Advice by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk or you can call our consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. ?
Social Enterprise Growth Advisor at North East Business Innovation Centre , Director at I Love North Shields CIC, Founder of Support and Grow North East, Neurodivergent, runner and dog lover
2 年We are an outreach charity which serves communities in the North East to alleviate poverty and health inequalities. The North East now has the highest rate of children living in poverty in the country. We are already providing ‘no cook’ food parcels as people struggle with the cost of electricity. Our service is already under huge pressure. Our communities mostly have key meters for there gas which means they pay as they use. I feel sick at the thought of how they will survive this winter when they need to heat their homes too. It’s outrageous that we see deprivation on this scale in the fifth richest country in the world.
Operations manager
2 年Alison Dunn it's time for everyone to take action, it's a disgrace that the energy company directors are taking 5/6 figure bonuses and the people of the world need to decide heat or eat! We all need to take a stance together to stop this
Retired professional now Chair of Citizens Advice Gateshead and non exec Director of Society Matters CIC
2 年Thankyou Alison Dunn for challenging us all to take action . In my view what we are seeing in our country is social oppression on a grand scale which for those most deeply effected has a real debilitating effect and potentially life threatening consequences . It’s for this reason that those of us with the capacity and energy to fight on their behalf have to do all we can to ensure short term relief and long term solutions are found . I am proud to be part of a charity at the forefront of that fight but we and our partners can’t do it alone .
Director at Walking With The Wounded | Veteran , NHS OP Courage ** 29,704 Followers**; Clore Experienced Leader ???
2 年Very pertinent post Alison Dunn it’s a daily challenge we’re all trying to support
Director of Communications and corporate affairs at The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
2 年I loved spending time with you today Alison, but what a desperately sad situation we are in. The cost of energy is a life and death problem for an increasing number of people. It’s very hard not to feel helpless, but we must keep acting.