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Marion's story

Across the UK, there are around two million older people in poverty. That’s enough to fill Birmingham, Glasgow and Oxford. For many of this group, things just aren’t working. Find out more about Marion, her story and what changes we need the next Government to commit to, so that nobody has to face financial hardship in later life.

Marion lives in Newcastle and had a varied career, including roles in education, technology and politics. Although retired, she will starting a temporary full time job in April. She plays a key role in her community as a city councillor. As part of her role, she works with people of all ages, but is clear that we’re defined by more than simply our age.

“I think that the whole term ‘older people’ is an interesting one because all of a sudden here I am, one of those older people. So physically, yes, we’re older people, but mentally, it’s a hard thing to take. I’m into my 60s now and it can be hard hitting this age, as it’s all change. Especially as I’ve always worked.”

While Marion’s always worked, as have many others, that doesn’t guarantee a later life without money worries. She was affected by changes to the State Pension age for women born in the 1950s, which increased their qualifying age from 60 to 65 or 66. 

“My flat’s a leasehold, and so I have to pay very high service charges. My energy bills have also sharply increased. I receive an allowance as a councillor, which just takes me over the threshold of support for Pension Credit – which means I miss out on the additional help it unlocks.” 

Marion often has to take drastic action to make her budget stretch, which means foregoing some essentials. “You have to be prudent, and I’ve not used the heating for several years now. I just wrap up in blankets. You become acclimatised to the fact you can’t just bang the heating on and have hot water running out the tap. There is a cost to it and sometimes you can’t afford that. Hot water in my world is a luxury.” 

As we all get older, Marion believes that a commissioner can help shine a light on the issues that affect people in later life, such as poverty, ageism and discrimination.

“There are so many different experiences of ageing, and we need a commissioner that’s independent and has that authority to get things done. In this world, we have the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’, and too much of what we hear about ageing is shaped by people who have enough. An independent commissioner would make sure that people who don’t have what they need in later life, particularly where I am in the North East, are heard.”

As part of our Two Million Too Many campaign, Independent Age is calling on political parties to introduce a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing if elected. A Commissioner would act as a voice for later life, championing the wants and needs of older people. 

Two million too many campaign logoTwo million too many

We believe there are two million too many older people living in poverty. Read about our campaign and download campaigning resources.

Susan facing the cameraSusan's story

Private renter Susan saw her rent increase from £675 to £900 per month. She faces a no-fault eviction.

Older woman looking at a utility billTogether against pensioner poverty: our statement of intent

Read our Statement of Intent that organisations and individuals can sign up to and show their commitment to tackling pensioner poverty.

Older woman warming her hands on a mugOur work on housing

We want to make sure that all older people can have a place they love as their home. Learn how we're campaigning to make that happen.

Download our materials to show your support for our Two Million Too Many campaign.

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Independent Age 18 Avonmore Rd London W14 8RR

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020 7605 4200

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