Birmingham declares cost of living ‘state of emergency’
The head of the Birmingham City Council has declared a “state of emergency” in the city, as bills continue to skyrocket.
Speaking yesterday, Ian Ward declared the cost of living crisis would require a “pandemic level response”.
He said: “We have been hit by a perfect storm: inflation is at the highest levels for over 40 years and energy prices are rising at the fastest rate in living memory.
“Bills will rise again from 1 October with the energy price cap rising to £3,549 per year for dual fuel supply with the average household likely to spend over £1,000 on energy bills between now and the end of the year.”
“In January 2023, the energy price cap is due to rise again with bills likely to rise to just under £5,500 per year in January and over £6,500 in April 2023.
“Every person in every part of this city will be affected in some way or another. The negative impacts of the rise in the cost of living are on a par with the pandemic: and consequently, require a pandemic level of response.”
