5 min read
The cost of everything is rising. As Russia continues to threaten gas supplies, the price of UK energy is soaring, which is having a knock-on effect on the cost of food, transport, and everything else in between.
Latest predictions suggest that the energy price cap will rise to £4,200 a year by October, whilst the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) has risen by 9.4% in the past year - a 40-year record.
And experts are suggesting that the worst is yet to come.
To combat this overwhelming cost of living crisis, individuals and organisations have teamed together to launch the campaign 'Enough is Enough'.
Within the first 24 hours of its inception, the movement gained a lot of attention - and we can expect the momentum to continue. So let's get acquainted.
What's on this page?
What is Enough is Enough?
Enough is Enough is a new UK campaign that focuses on fighting the current cost of living crisis.
Founded by trade unions and community organisations, this movement is aiming to push back against rising bills, low wages, food poverty, poor housing quality, and "a society run only for a wealthy elite".
According to the website, in the coming weeks, Enough is Enough will be holding rallies across Britain, organising community groups, supporting picket lines, and taking action against companies profiteering from this crisis.
What is the campaign asking for?
Enough is Enough has five key demands from businesses and the UK government:
- Introduce more pay rises - This includes raising the national minimum wage, introducing a "real" public sector pay rise, and increasing pensions and benefits
- Slash energy bills - Enough is Enough's short-term goal is for the government to scrap the October price cap rise. As for the long-term goal, the movement is pushing for energy companies to be nationalised, and to invest more in renewable energy
- End food poverty - Introduce universal free school meals and community kitchens, whilst also reinstating the £20-a-week Universal Credit uplift
- Provide decent homes for all - Improve the housing market by capping rent increases, building over 100,000 council homes a year, insulating homes, and introducing a charter for renters' rights
- Tax the wealthy - Put a wealth tax in place, raise taxes on corporate profits and the top 5% of earners, close tax-dodging loopholes, and abolish non-domicile status
Summary
The bottom line? Change has to come from a governmental level - and that's what Enough is Enough is trying to push for.
Some European countries, such as France and Germany, have been able to avoid such dramatic price rises thanks to their nationalised energy and transport systems. The UK, however, is struggling to keep prices down in its privatised market.
According to Enough is Enough, if you're feeling frustrated with the current energy crisis, this could be your chance to "turn anger into action".
Beth Howell Writer @Bethany_Howell_
