The National Pensioner’s Convention is backing calls by Independent Age for the government to “take real steps” to help older people who cannot afford emergency bills.
New research by the charity found that one in five older people struggle to pay an unexpected £50 bill.
But the figure rises to over half – 52 per cent – if the emergency bill was £250.
In a poll commissioned by Independent Age, it was found that 21 per cent of over 65s with an income of less than £15,000 a year would find it difficult or impossible to get the money together for unexpected costs.
The charity’s report “Surviving Not Living” also found that 20 per cent of older people on low incomes have no savings to fall back on, prompting them to press for measures like national social tariffs on water and energy bills.
Joanna Elson, chief executive of Independent Age said: “For older people on low incomes, even one unexpected bill can push them past the point where there’s nothing left to cut back.
“It’s unacceptable that so many are seeing their income completely disappear on every day essentials, like rent, water and food, which leaves them struggling to cover all their bills let alone save for emergencies like a broken fridge or oven.”
NPC general secretary Jan Shortt said: “These findings are shocking, but sadly not surprising, as millions of older people are struggling with the cost of living.
“NPC completely supports Independent Age’s call for an urgent intervention from the UK Government.”
Independent Age says the government must implement a take-up strategy that simplifies the application process for entitlements and ensures older people on low incomes receive all the financial support they need.
Independent Age calls upon the Government to:
● recognise this serious, long-term issue and take action
● enhance the Warm Home Discount and set the longer-term ambition of introducing an energy bills social tariff
● introduce a national social tariff for water bills in England and Wales
● along with Ofcom and broadband providers, work together to better proactively promote broadband social tariffs
● along with local governments, work together to increase uptake of council tax reduction
● and with local governments, provide comprehensive financial help for those on a lower income facing emergency costs.
Rodney Sadd
Crowland
