Age UK has urged older people not to cut back on heating this winter, warning that cold homes can pose a serious risk to health.
The charity says heating is often the single biggest annual bill for pensioners, leaving many tempted to turn it down or switch it off altogether despite freezing conditions in recent weeks.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, warned that millions of older people are already living in poverty, with 1.9 million affected and numbers expected to rise further.
Speaking to GB News, Ms Abrahams said: “Of course, in winter you have to run your heating and that’s an enormous cost. It’s probably the biggest bill most older people face each year.
“The temptation is to turn the heating down, to skimp, or even to switch it off altogether.
“I’m in London today and it’s sunny you could probably manage without the heating right now but over the past few weeks it’s been pretty cold. And that is really dangerous for older people if they don’t stay adequately warm.”
Asked what advice Age UK is giving, she said: “Our advice is simple: please don’t skimp on heating and put your health at risk. Do stay warm.
“And if you’re worried about paying your bill, contact your energy supplier they are under an obligation to help you.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, warned that millions of older people are already living in poverty
|
GB NEWS
“If that feels daunting, get in touch with Age UK and we will help. There may be extra support available.
“We often find older people aren’t claiming all the financial help they’re entitled to.
“That’s why we’re drawing attention to the fact that 1.9 million older people are currently living in poverty and that figure could rise above two million very soon.”
She added: “Part of the problem is that while extra help does exist for some older people on very low incomes, many simply don’t know about it.
Many pensioners are worried about their heating bill
|
GETTY/GB NEWS“The Government isn’t doing enough to alert them or ensure they receive that money and that’s a scandal. Too many older people who desperately need support are going without.”
On community ‘warm spaces’, she said: “Any community response that helps people manage the cost of living and stay warm through winter has to be a good thing. It also helps with companionship.
“But we have to be realistic. Many older people can’t leave their homes easily they may have mobility issues, or it may be unsafe to go out in icy conditions.
“So the real issue is making sure people can afford to heat their own homes.”
She concluded: “We, along with many other charities, want the Government to introduce a social energy tariff.
“That would guarantee cheaper energy for people on low incomes or with disabilities who face higher heating costs.
“Around a third of over-65s say they are cutting back on electricity this winter to make ends meet, while 35 per cent report turning down their heating.”
The charity warns that around 1.9 million people receiving the DWP state pension are already living in poverty, with the number expected to pass the two million mark in the years ahead unless action is taken.
15 per cent, according to the leading charity, also said they will have baths or showers less often, and one in 20 (five per cent) said they would need to skip meals.