People living in a Merseyside town "don't know how they'll get by" this winter, the area's MP has warned.
A combination of the pandemic, soaring inflation and spiralling bills could place as many as 45 million people in the UK in fuel poverty from October. The average energy bill leapt by 54% this April, and experts are now warning of a “humanitarian catastrophe” in the coming months.
With prices on the rise, Mick Whitley, member of parliament for Birkenhead, is now urging residents to make their voices heard at an upcoming energy forum. The event, which will take place on Thursday, September 22, will bring together local charities, community groups and residents to discuss the impact rising energy prices are having on the town.
READ MORE: 'Doting' mum and wife dies in horror crash after air ambulance lands
Mr Whitley told the ECHO: “Liz Truss has promised a package of support to tackle the energy price crisis. We don’t know what that will look like yet, but one thing is absolutely clear: many people simply don’t know how they’ll get by this winter - even if energy bills are frozen at their current rate.”
Ms Truss was announced as the new leader of the Conservative Party and the country's next Prime Minister on Monday (September 5) after beating Rishi Sunak in the party's leadership election. In her victory speech, Ms Truss pledged to tackle surging energy costs, and is expected to outline her plan for doing so on Thursday.
The impact of the cost-of-living crisis has been keenly felt in Birkenhead and across Wirral in recent months. Last month, the ECHO visted a Sunday morning breakfast club held at Charles Thompson's Mission support centre, on Hemingford St, where volunteer Dave Kelly, said the number of people relying on the service is "rising quickly" with the "vast majority" of users now working people.
Wirral Council has also revaled they have used more than £1.6m to feed children over the school holidays, with over 900 tonnes of food, as well as grants to community groups, being distributed across the borough. Mr Whitley said: “I want to hear from my constituents about the impact that the energy crisis is having on them, and the support that they want to see in the weeks and months ahead.
"This community forum is all about local people and what they think needs to be done. It’s their opportunity to make their voices heard and every contribution that’s made will help me fight for a fairer deal for the people of Birkenhead.”
The forum will also be an opportunity for residents to engage with charities and organisations that are working in the town and learn more about the support that’s available locally. It will take place from 11:30am to 1pm in the Exmouth Suite of the Lauries Building, on Claughton Road.
The session is open to anyone living in Birkenhead constituency and people can book tickets here.
READ NEXT:
Olivia Pratt-Korbel murder suspect bailed as police appeal for more evidence
Footballer and businesswoman's downfall in £1m gang
Couple who led police to their cannabis farm could have money seized by court
Man 'wielding an axe' arrested after reported attack
Dad of three knew he'd 'lose everything' by chatting to 'underage' girl
