Campaigners will take to the streets to call for an end to fuel poverty, claiming utility companies are “blighting the lives of millions”.

Trade union Unite will rally its members in Brighton city centre tomorrow to call for the Labour government to introduce a free energy allowance through the public ownership of energy companies.

The protest leads on from the government’s decision to scrap the winter fuel allowance for some pensioners in favour of a means-tested system.

Judy White, community activist for Unite, said: “The cut to the winter fuel allowance is appalling and the consequences will be catastrophic.

“We believe that with decisive government action all deaths from cold homes and fuel poverty can be avoided.”

Read More: How many Sussex pensioners received winter fuel payments

Unite members will protest outside Brighton’s Clock Tower at noon calling for public ownership of energy distribution networks, domestic power suppliers and the North Sea’s reserves of oil and gas.

General secretary Sharon Graham said utility companies were “blighting the lives of millions”, adding: “No one should be forced to choose between heating and eating."

Labour MPs voted to scrap the winter fuel payments for some pensioners in early September.

Regulator Ofgem will also increase the energy price cap from October 1.