
Switched Off
For over a million of the oldest people in our country, TV is their main form of company. That’s under threat.
At Age UK, we are increasingly concerned about how the rising cost of living is affecting older people on low and modest incomes. Prices of everyday items are going up so quickly now that they risk being totally overwhelmed.
Older people get in touch with us every day to say they are drastically cutting back on their spending, but their finances just won’t stretch to cover the huge price rises they are facing. People of all ages across the country are finding that their monthly budgets simply don’t add up anymore.
Household energy prices are going up by an average of 54% and are expected to rise further in the autumn. Inflation hit 6.2% in February 2022 and is set to go even higher, yet the State Pension and benefits are only due to rise by 3.1%.
The help the Chancellor has announced so far for people on low and modest incomes is nowhere near enough. It’s simple – they won’t be able to make ends meet without considerably more government support.
The price of everything is going up so much we are forced to cut down what food we can buy and what heating we can afford. I cannot afford to have dental treatment anymore and it seems in the future I will not be able to afford to live. Something will have to give i.e. rent, heating or food.
I am 72 and on a low income. The rises will affect me personally because I am on pension credit and already ration my energy use so that I can afford the bills. I feel very anxious about it.
The uncertainty regarding the energy bills along with increases in food and clothing is stressful and the future is looking bleak. I never imagined that this country would leave me, at 81 and disabled feeling helpless and insecure.
My husband has advanced Alzheimer’s, is totally bedbound, doubly incontinent and my daughter and I care for him completely at home. He has to be washed and changed at least three times a day and consequently my washing machine and dryer are permanently in use. We have to keep the heating on most of the time as his temperature quickly drops if the house gets cold. Our fuel bills are currently £270 per month. These latest increases will make an enormous difference to our expenses but we have no choice because of my husband's health.
For over a million of the oldest people in our country, TV is their main form of company. That’s under threat.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director, reflects on the campaign to save free TV licences for the over-75s.
As the State fails to fulfil its social care duties, women often pay the price.
You've been writing postcards to your MPs, telling them why they need to care about social care.