Cost of Living & Debt: What Came Next
Cost of Living & Debt: What Came Next
In September, we held an event on the cost of living crisis, where we discussed debt, the #DontPayUK campaign, and lessons from historic resistance movements like the Poll Tax non-payment campaign and utility strikes in Bolivia and South Africa.
Expanding Our Community Protection
Since then, we've continued to build knowledge and skills within our community. At the meeting, we ran training on community protection—understanding bailiff powers and how we can stand together to prevent illegal evictions and forced prepayment meter installations.
Why This Matters Now
Data from Citizen’s Advice predicts that huge numbers of people will be forced onto prepayment meters this winter. Many will also fall behind on rent or mortgage payments. While utility companies are supposed to negotiate payment plans, we know this often doesn’t happen. Worse, some people have had meters force-fitted when they shouldn’t have been.
Past Events & Training
We began forming a rapid response network in Newcastle to resist these injustices. As part of this, we held training sessions to equip community members with the skills to protect themselves and each other. While these sessions have now passed, the work continues:
- 3rd December - Divercity Hub (Event link)
- 11th December - Dilston Methodist Church (Event link)
Even though these events have passed, our community protection work continues, and we are always looking for more people to get involved.
Get Involved
Worried about bills? Bailiffs? Want to be part of a community that stands together? Join Food & Solidarity to take action and fight back against the cost of living crisis.
This is an updated blog from one orginally posted here
Read more about the Prepayment meters, bailiff, and the cost of living campaign here
