In September this year, we held an event on the cost of living crisis. Where we discussed debt, the #dontpayuk campaign, and the history of similar campaigns including the poll tax non-payment campaigns and utility strikes in Bolivia and South Africa.
The day also included training on community protection! Data from Citizen's advice, predict that huge numbers of people are to be put on prepayment metres over this winter, additionally many will fall behind with rent or mortgages. Utility companies are supposed to negotiate with customers that go into debt, offering a repayment plan and so on, but often we know this does not happen. Additionally, we know of people who have had metres force fitted when they should not have. We are building a group in Newcastle that can help stop this happening – donation to this fund will be spent on training members of the community so that we are able to react fast to protect our members.
On Thursday the 16th March we ran a great workshop with lots of people attending, sharing food & practising planning how to resist bailiffs! Thanks @RecoveryCoCo for hosting! We're growing...