Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, wrote an op-ed for Inside Housing discussing renting and homelessness amongst older people. She argues that not only is homelessness an ever-present fear for many older people, it is also a threat that keeps many in unsafe rental properties. Read the full article here.
The Scottish Daily Express ran an exclusive on Independent Age's calls for the Scottish government to "urgently" take action to tackle financial hardship in later life ahead of the Scottish budget. The article discusses our calls on the Scottish government to introduce a pensioner poverty strategy, to increase the amount of financial support available for those on a low income with housing and general costs, and introduce an Older People’s Commissioner to represent the voices of those in later life, including people living on a low income in later life. Joanna Elson CBE also gave a statement in which she said: “The Scottish Government must use next week's Budget to prevent the worrying wave of poverty in later life from rising further.” The piece appeared both in print and online.
Independent Age revealed survey findings that show older people who had to use savings last winter to pay for essentials have been left in a precarious situation this year. Ahead of another tough winter, we're using the findings to promote our helpline and Christmas appeal. Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE did a pre recorded interview with Sky News radio which has been used by over 15 stations. BBC Radio Scotland also spoke to Joanna and we've had print and online coverage in the Express. Read the Express story here. You can also read the full press release here: Winter struggles: older people forced to use savings to survive last winter left without a ‘safety net’ this year | Independent Age
iNews spoke to media volunteer Thabani about her story and the importance of the triple lock to pensioners on a low income. She calls for the government to protect the triple lock in the upcoming Autumn Statement. She also discusses her current struggles with the cost of living that have forced her to move home. Read the full article here.
Ahead of the Autumn Statement, media volunteer Yvonne spoke to iNews about the financial struggles she faces and argues that inheritance tax cuts are doing nothing to address poverty in later life. She also spoke about her volunteering efforts with Independent Age to raise awareness of Pension Credit. Read the full article here.
Fiona Hall, service user and media volunteer for Independent Age, gave a powerful interview about the reality of financial hardship in later life to iNews. Fiona also spoke about the importance of the triple lock to protect older people’s incomes. The article included a comment from Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive, in which she called for the government to commission a cross party review into poverty in later life. Read the full article here.
Independent Age case study Tracy Birrell, 65, has revealed she has been surviving on just one meal a day and cut down to a shower a week which she combines with washing her clothes – but is still thousands of pounds in debt due to rising costs. Tracy told i life is a constant struggle and that those from the older generation like her are “forgotten people” as they fight to cope with financial hardship. The article ends with a statement from Joanna Elson, Chief Executive of Independent Age, says that unfortunately Tracy’s story is becoming increasingly common and calls on the government and utility companies to do more to support vulnerable people. Read the full article here.
Independent Age was featured in this article discussing the possibility of the triple lock being raised by 7.8% rather than 8.5%. iNews used a quote from Morgan Vine in which she says older people in financial hardship ‘can’t cut back any further’. Read the full article here.
