One in three pensioners struggling to get by
One in three pensioners struggling to get by
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Friday, 03, Mar 2006 11:56
Millions of UK pensioners are struggling financially as a result of soaring energy bills, a new report has warned.
According to research by charity group Age Concern, while most pensioners are just about able to make ends meet, 40 per cent say they are so hard up they cannot afford to have a social life.
Thirty-five per cent of respondents admitted that that cannot afford to visit friends and relatives, while a third claim to lack the means to go out for a meal or for a night at the pub.
The findings come in the light of significant recent bill increases by most major UK energy suppliers, with some pensioners seeing their gas and electricity bills rise by almost 25 per cent.
Age Concern director general, Gordon Lishman, called on the government to take action to ensure that pensioners are not left struggling below the breadline.
"It’s appalling that so many older people face a daily struggle to make ends meet and are being forced to sacrifice simple pleasures to afford their rapidly rising bills," Mr Lishman said.
"There is no question that radical pensions reform is desperately needed to prevent future generations facing the same fate in retirement. But the plight of today’s pensioners must not be overlooked in the midst of the pensions debate."
He added that "at the very least", the government should increase the basic state pension to £109 a week in order to enable pensioners to "afford a decent standard of living".
Aside from socialising, 41 per cent of the 509 pensioners polled by ICM on behalf of Age Concern said that they did not have enough money to afford a holiday.
An additional 29 per cent said that they lacked the means to take up a hobby or leisure activity.
Old-age charities have consistently raised concerns over inadequate pension provision coupled with the impact of rising fuel bills on elderly customers.
Last week, Help the Aged warned that British Gas' decision to increase bills by 22 per cent could put as many as 400,000 pensioners' lives at risk.