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Age UK responds to new poverty (Household Below Average Income 2017/18) figures

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Age UK responds to new poverty (Household Below Average Income 2017/18) figures

Published on 28 March 2019 10:00 PM

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said: “We are deeply concerned that 2 million older people are now living below the poverty line - a 1% rise on last year that means pensioner poverty is at its worst since 2007/8.

“These new figures show that women, the oldest old and BME groups are at particular risk of poverty in later life and it’s important that more help is targeted to help them.

“Unfortunately two Government policy changes will undoubtedly make the position worse for the poorest older people: the ending of any Government funding for free TV licenses for over 75s from 2020, and the removal of the entitlement to pension credit for couples where one partner is above and the other below State Pension Age in a few weeks time.

“On the back of these worrying figures we call on the Government to do more to ensure everyone has a decent retirement income and reversing these two proposed policy shifts would be a very good start.

“We also need to keep in mind that as much as £3.5bn in financial help is going unclaimed by older people every year when this extra money could make a real difference to their everyday lives. We would urge any older person with money worries to contact Age UK by calling our free advice line on 0800 169 6565 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk for information and advice.”

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Last updated: Feb 05 2024

Notes to editors:

Age UK is a national charity that works with a network of partners, including Age Scotland, Age Cymru, Age NI and local Age UKs across England, to help everyone make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances.

In the UK, the Charity helps more than seven million older people each year by providing advice and support. It also researches and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring that older people: have enough money; enjoy life and feel well; receive high quality health and care; are comfortable, safe and secure at home; and feel valued and able to participate.

Age UK’s subsidiary charity, Age International, supports older people globally in over 30 developing countries by funding programmes such as vital emergency relief and healthcare and campaigning to raise awareness and change policies.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and registered company number 6825798). Charitable services are provided through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company (CiC) (registered company number 1102972) which donates its net profits to Age UK (the Charity)

Age UK

We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI and our local Age UK partners in England (together the Age UK Family). We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK believes that everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances. We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well-being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).