Brighton activists send message over cost of living crisis

A message written on the beach encouraged the public to withhold energy payments as part of the Don’t Pay campaign, which already has hundreds of supporters in Brighton.

Organisers also campaigned outside the offices of Octopus Energy as energy prices are set to rise by almost 80 per cent to £3,549 in October amid the cost of living crisis.

Activists left their message on Brighton beach

Tom Johnstone, a spokesman for Don’t Pay Brighton, said: “It wasn’t a hostile action at Octopus, they are as dismayed as everyone else on the government inaction.

“This week, outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson has come back from his latest holiday and told us we all have to put up with the price increases.

"Well, he might be able to afford to pay, but the rest of us can’t.”

The action is being taken ahead of a national energy bill strike on Saturday, October 1, where thousands of people across the country are expected to withhold payments.

The protest involves people cancelling their direct debits to energy companies in a mass non-payment action.

Don't Pay activists outside the Octopus Energy offices

More than1,000 people are expected to take part across Sussex to put pressure on the government and energy companies to bring bills down to affordable levels.

The protest comes as energy companies recently reported soaring profits as prices have continued to rise. British Gas owners Centrica reported profits which were five times higher than they were in 2021.

A government spokeswoman previously criticised the Don’t Pay campaign over its “highly irresponsible messaging, which ultimately will only push up prices for everyone else and affect personal credit ratings".

She added: “While no Government can control global gas prices, we are providing £37 billion of help for households including the £400 discount on energy bills, and £1,200 of direct support for the most vulnerable households to help with the cost of living."

Ocotpus Energy has been approached for comment.

Don’t Pay Brighton are organising a public meeting to raise awareness of the campaign which will happen at the Friends Meeting House in Ship Street on Tuesday, August 30 at 7pm.