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Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

"We’re really disappointed that, despite their very healthy profits, the big energy firms don’t think they can afford to put off these increases until after the winter quarter. This is when the poorest pensioners worry most about their bills. Concern about these price rises may cause older people to cut back on their heating, which could put their health at risk.

“These price hikes will push many thousands more older people into fuel poverty, which is already a major concern. The government must work harder to abolish fuel poverty and to get vital benefits cash to those who need it, they should also increase the Winter Fuel payment by at least £100, so that all older people can afford to heat their homes. The government and energy companies must work together to address the huge pressure expensive fuel bills place on the poorest.

"Our advice to older people is to wait until all the price increases have been announced before shopping around for the best deal.  We would also urge those worried about their escalating bills to contact their local Age Concern for advice on benefits they may be missing out on. To find their nearest Age Concern people should call 0800 00 99 66."

ENDS

Factfile:

• Nearly 90 per cent of all excess winter deaths are of people over the age of 65.
• There were 22,300 excess winter deaths of older people last year, with this winter predicted to be colder than last.
• Almost one in three older people live in homes with inadequate heating or insulation making their homes more difficult to heat and/or keep warm.
• More than 1 in 4 people living in fuel poverty are over 70 years old
• Average annual energy bills are set to exceed £1,000. This will absorb 16 per cent of the income of a single pensioner dependent on the pension credit minimum guarantee and the £200 Winter Fuel Payment.
• Millions of pensioners are missing out on their share of £4.6billion of unclaimed benefits each year, such as Pension Credit, which could help to make it easier to pay their bills.

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