Independent Age Chief Executive, Joanna Elson, CBE said:
“UK Government figures released today show that later life poverty is a massive issue that needs tackling. It is clear that with 1.9 million or 16% of older people now living in poverty, action is needed now.
“Living in poverty at any age can be an extremely isolating and miserable experience, and the older people we speak to are making massive cutbacks just to make ends meet. Older people tell us they are going to bed in hats and coats, washing less to save on water and limiting themselves to only one meal a day.
“There are ways the UK Government can tackle poverty in later life, such as social tariffs, which would protect people on low incomes from spikes in essential utility costs. Introducing a single social tariff for water would end the postcode lottery of water poverty that is currently blighting the system. While all water companies provide a social tariff, the generosity and eligibility criteria fluctuate depending on where you live. Your address shouldn’t dictate how much financial support you receive.
“The energy market has been volatile for years now, and older people across the country have cut down on their heating because they do not have enough money to turn it on. A social tariff for energy would reduce the costs for those in financial hardship and help those in later life who have been sitting in cold, dark and damp homes.
“To ensure the long-term financial security of current and future older people, all the political parties need to form a consensus on the adequate income needed in later life to live well and avoid poverty. Once this is established, plans can be put in place to support older people to reach this amount. A future with no pensioners living in poverty is possible, but not without urgent action being taken.”