Poorest pensioners should get £500 extra to keep them warm over winter, charity says
- Age UK has said that lower income OAPs need at least £500 to stay afloat
- Energy prices are due to rise in April and could be pushed up by up to £700
- Age UK says the extra money should be given to those receiving Cold Weather Payments from the Government in order to warm their homes
Older people on low incomes who are struggling to pay their bills need at least £500 in government support to stay warm and keep the lights on, according to Age UK.
It said that in the past six weeks the number of over-65s worried about heating their home had risen from 43 per cent to 62 per cent – equivalent to 7.8million people. A poll for the charity found that more than 80 per cent of over-65s think the Government must now step in.
Households are struggling with energy bills after an increase in tariffs in October, but another rise due in April could push bills up by £700 more.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday said that there was some help on the way for homes and heavy industry.
Age UK wants everyone who receives the Cold Weather Payment to be given an extra £500
Age UK wants everyone who receives the Cold Weather Payment to be given an extra £500. It also wants 5 per cent VAT on household energy bills cut from April until at least the end of the year. This would shave almost £100 off annual bills.
The Social Market Foundation, a think-tank, said that cash handouts were the most efficient way of helping people. It said that families on benefits should be given £500 each, and households with no one paying higher-rate income tax should be given £300. The plan would cost an estimated £8.5billion.
Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, said: ‘Millions of older people are absolutely dreading the imminent price cap announcement and urgently need reassurance that help is on its way so they can keep their heating on.’
Some 50,000 people have put their names to a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the past week, urging him to act now to protect older people from unaffordable energy bills.
Age UK says many are already feeling the impact of the rising cost of living, with tens of thousands forced to ration heating.
Some 50,000 people have put their names to a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the past week, urging him to act now to protect older people from unaffordable energy bills
It has been flooded with stories of people who are struggling and cutting back on heating, food and other essentials.
One woman told the charity: ‘Like many elderly people, I’m rationing my heating and trying to think of more ways to keep my head above water financially.
‘With the cost of food and most other necessities going up almost daily, the future, especially over the colder months, looks very bleak indeed.’
Regarding the problems facing many, Mr Sunak said: ‘We’re looking at lots of different things, we’re talking to lots of different businesses.
He added: ‘I’m cognisant of the challenges, which is why we’re constantly talking to people and listening to them.’