More gas and electricity price rises announced today by British Gas will make the cost of living an even harder struggle than it already is.
With child poverty running at 60% (see here) and a whole basket of indicators – from `Over 65s Not In Good Health' to pure `Deprivation' - showing Salford `significantly worse' than the rest of the country (see here), fuel price rises are going to increase hardship in the city even more, with all the fall-out that brings.
Now public sector trade union, UNISON, which represents many low paid workers in the city, is calling for an urgent review and more investment into alternative energy sources…
"Public service workers are in the middle of a pay freeze and the news that energy prices are soaring is another bitter blow" says Mike Jeram, UNISON's Head of Business and Environment "Low paid workers across the country are already struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads with rising inflation adding to household bills."
With British Gas increasing gas prices by 18% and electricity by 16%, on top of price rises by Scottish and Southern, next winter is going to be one of the harshest ever with a massive increase in fuel poverty.
"The British energy market needs an urgent review and overhaul to ensure that it starts acting in the interest of consumers" Mike Jeram says "The Government needs to get a grip and make sure the country invests urgently in renewable energy to become more self-sufficient."
Meanwhile, as the wealth gap widens, fat cats all over the UK seem to have money to burn…
* Main image is an original graphic from seminal 70s community magazine, Suburban Press, by artist Jamie Reid.
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