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Pensioners will feel the pinch when the temperatures drop.

The number of older people living in fuel poverty‚1 and unable to heat their homes properly this autumn‚ is likely to have doubled in only two years‚ warns Age Concern.

Energy price hikes and the falling value of the Winter Fuel Payment in real terms are likely to have caused the number of pensioner households in fuel poverty to more than double since 2004. This means that around ½million households with someone aged 70+ will now be affected by fuel poverty.2

Older people are more likely than any other age group to be affected by fuel poverty. More than one in five (22%) of those over 70 and eligible for pension credit are living in fuel poverty compared with only three in 50 people (6%) in the population as a whole.

The Winter Fuel Payment‚ aimed at helping those over 60 meet the cost of heating their homes‚ only makes a small dent in the spiralling costs of energy bills which have reached an all-time high of almost £1‚000 per year.3 Three years ago the £200 payment covered just over one third (35%) of the average annual gas and electricity bill. It now covers just one fifth (20%).

To avoid running up huge bills that they cannot afford to pay‚ many older people heat one room only or only switch on their heating for short periods of time. Not switching on the heating or not putting on an extra jumper can put older people in danger of cold-related illnesses.

Gordon Lishman‚ Director General of Age Concern‚ said: “Older people may put their health at risk by turning off their heating in an attempt to reduce their bills. We urge all older people to make sure they are getting all the benefits‚ including the Winter Fuel Payment‚ they are entitled to.

“We want to the Government to increase the income of pensioners so that all older people have enough money in their pockets to help meet the rising costs of heating their homes.”

Most older people aged 60+ are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment‚ and the majority get it automatically along with their pension or other social security benefits. However‚ some new claimants and older people who were not eligible last year will need to make a claim before September 22 to get the payment before Christmas. The largest group who have to make a claim for the Winter Fuel Payment are men aged 60-65‚ many of whom do not realise they are eligible.

Older people can contact their local Age Concern to check they are receiving all the money benefits they are entitled to. Some Age Concern’s will also offer extra help to older people when it gets cold. The support offered could range from emergency packs to keep older people warm in very cold weather to a weekly lunch club where an older person can get a hot meal to help them to keep warm.

ENDS

Note to editors

1. The widely accepted definition of fuel poverty is where a household needs to spend 10 per cent or more of income to meet fuel costs
2. The Energy Challenge‚ Department of Trade and Industry‚ June 2006
3. Energywatch estimates annual average gas and electricity bills paid by standard credit now total £993

Age Concern’s information line (freephone 0800 00 99 66) can supply further information about how older people can keep warm and well this winter. A free fact sheet “Helping with Heating” is also available on our website.

An annual Winter Fuel Payment of £200 is available to people aged 60 to 79‚ depending on their circumstances. People aged 80+ entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment can get an extra £50 or £100. People aged 60 or over on 22 September this year‚ may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment. The Government’s Winter Fuel Payment Helpline (08459 15 15 15 or 0845 601 5613 for textphone users) is open 8.30am - 4.30pm‚ Monday to Friday.

For general enquiries please contact us.

Journalists contact:

Age Concern England
Zena Ambrose/Jonty Alone
Telephone:
020 8765 7513/7516
Out of hours:
07071 243 243