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Our response to Npower's price rises and predictions of increases by other energy companies.

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

"It is really worrying to see such big increases in fuel prices. Similar price hikes across the board would hit the poorest pensioners hardest at a time when many are already finding it very difficult to make ends meet. Such price increases would push many thousands more older people into fuel poverty which is already a major concern.

"The government is substantially failing to meet its fuel poverty targets for vulnerable households. It must work harder to abolish fuel poverty and do much more to get vital benefits cash to those who need it so that people can afford to heat their homes. The government and energy companies must work together to address the problem of the huge pressure expensive fuel bills place on vulnerable groups. We would also urge energy companies to put off the increases until after the winter quarter as this is when older people worry most about fuel bills.

"Many older people already feel they need to cut back on their heating to reduce their bill. Fears of higher bills may cause people to cut back further, yet this could be putting their health at risk. Older people shouldn't have to worry about health versus wealth. We would urge all older people who are 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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