older people – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Britain is undersaving for retirement, warns Pensions Commission

The Pensions Commission has today (19 May) published its interim report on the state of retirement saving in the UK, setting out the key challenges facing the current system and where it will focus its work next.

Interim report highlights key challenges in retirement saving across the UK with 15 million people currently undersaving for retirement.
Findings sets direction for further work to improve retirement outcomes ahead of final recommendations in 2027.
Commission set up as part of government’s wider reforms to pensions system to help more people retire with dignity.

The report highlights that many people are not saving enough for retirement, particularly among low and middle earners, the self‑employed and women, and points to the need for the system to evolve to meet modern working lives.

There are currently 15 million people under saving for retirement which could reach 19 million without action, leaving large groups across the UK facing a severe cliff-edge when they retire, according to a new report from the Pensions Commission.

Set up by the Government in July 2025, the Commission aims to address a savings challenge that has been building for decades, examining why tomorrow’s retirees’ risk being worse off than today’s and making recommendations to reverse this.

This follows the success of the 2002 to 2006 Commission which built a consensus for the roll-out of Automatic Enrolment into pension saving, resulting in 89% of eligible employees now saving into their pensions, up from 55% in 2012.

Its findings include:

Low and middle earners are most at risk, with around half saving only at minimum Automatic Enrolment levels with little else to fall back on.
45% of working-age adults – around 18 million people – are not saving into a pension at all, despite nearly half of them being in work.
Where employers are contributing about the statutory minimum this is largely benefiting higher earners.
Just 4% – one in 25 – of wholly self-employed workers are saving for retirement, and it’s even lower among younger self-employed people.
On current trends around 3 in 10 private pension pots are accessed at the earliest possible opportunity with half of all pots taken out in full. Nearly half of these are spent on large expenses like a car, holiday or renovations.

The Commission examined why tomorrow’s retirees are on track to be poorer than today’s with too many working age adults are saving nothing at all into a pension. A final report with recommendations will follow in early 2027.

Pensions Commissioner, Baroness Jeannie Drake said: “Over the past two decades since the Turner Commission there is no doubt pensions reform can be described as a success. Yet the second Pensions Commission is looking forward and seeing many people not saving enough and millions not saving at all.

“This demands a renewed national settlement on pensions.

“Achieving this will require clarity of purpose, but it also offers a moment of opportunity; to renew a social contract that commands confidence across the country.

“The recommendations we present in our final report will address the need to secure adequate income in later life and a pension system that is fit for decades to come.”

The Commission will set out the course to improving future outcomes whilst ensuring the system is fair and sustainable within and between generations.

Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell MP, said: “Britain has got back into the pension saving habit, but the job is only half done with tomorrow’s pensioners still on track to be poorer than today’s.

“The Pensions Commission sets out clearly the scale of the challenge: not enough people are saving for retirement, and many of those that are aren’t saving enough.”

The Commission warns that without action millions more people could be at risk of becoming reliant on state support in retirement.

It adds that there is much for public policy to do to shape the future of pensions, whilst maintaining the broad political consensus pensions has had since the Turner Commission in the 2000s. The Commission is clear that change must happen in the right way, with any recommendations for change implemented gradually.

The Government has ruled out any changes to Automatic Enrolment contributions this Parliament.

Dr Yvonne Braun, ABI Director of Long-Term Savings Policy said: “The report makes a powerful case for a new national settlement for pensions. Automatic enrolment is a sturdy foundation, but must evolve to meet the scale of the challenges ahead.

“We and our members stand ready to work with the Commission to deepen saving, extend coverage and support better decisions in retirement, so that everyone can look forward to greater financial security in later life.

“Over the next year the Commission will hear a wide range of views before presenting its final report and recommendations in early 2027. A call for views from all interested parties has also launched today.

Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which? said: “Which? welcomes this interim report from the Pensions Commission and the valuable evidence it brings together on the UK’s pension adequacy challenge.

“It is very encouraging to see recognition of the need to increase private pension saving rates and coverage, while also acknowledging the financial pressures caused by the cost of living crisis.

The report rightly highlights that too many working people are projected to reach later life without sufficient savings, and that women, carers, the self-employed and many ethnic minority groups continue to face structural barriers. It is also promising to see a strong focus on how to support people to use their pension savings throughout retirement.

“Which? looks forward to continuing to work with the Commission, industry and wider civil society groups to help drive the reforms needed so people are better prepared for retirement.”

Julian Mund, Chief Executive of Pensions UK, said: “Pensions UK welcomes the breadth and ambition of this report, and shares the Commission’s view that we need a new national settlement on pensions.

“Evidence presented in the report clearly strengthens the case for more pension saving over longer working lives, alongside systemic change that delivers sustainable incomes – building on welcome reforms in the Pension Schemes Act.

“We look forward to working with Government to explore how that diagnosis can be turned into a practical roadmap for reform, well before the next generation fall short of the retirement incomes they expect and deserve.”

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK: “We welcome this new report from the Pensions Commission, which provides an excellent analysis of the problems facing our pensions system today.

“This is the first and necessary step for ensuring the pensions system of the future enables tomorrow’s older people to have a decent standard of living.

“There’s a clear need to improve the way the State Pension and private pension systems work together; otherwise people on low incomes are at risk of falling through the cracks and hurtling towards their retirements without the required funds, or the time to make up the shortfall.

“We look forward to working with the Commission as it explores the best solutions for future pensioners.”

Aside from the commission, the government is also reforming the pension landscape and improving retirement for today’s workers. The Pension Schemes Act, passed this month, will benefit 22 million workers by up to £29,000 by the time they retire, driving down costs, boosting returns and enabling the automatic consolation of small pension pots to ensure every pound saved works harder for working people.

Louise Hellem, Chief Economist, CBI, said: “The publication of the Pensions Commission’s interim report is an important step towards building a long-term framework that delivers adequate living standards in retirement. Getting this right requires the government, businesses and individuals all to play their role in supporting better saving.

“As the debate progresses, it is vital that retirement adequacy is considered hand in hand with the UK’s growth ambitions. Strong economic growth underpins sustainable pension outcomes by supporting employment and higher sustainable wage growth, enabling individuals to save, and driving stronger investment returns over time.

“It is only growth that can sufficiently reduce difficult trade-offs and maintain political, public and business support for change.”

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Workers deserve a pension system that guarantees against poverty in retirement and enables them to maintain their standard of living.

“Although millions more people are now building up workplace pensions, far too many on low and middle incomes are not heading for a decent retirement – with women, Black and minority ethnic and disabled workers, and those in the gig economy at highest risk.

“The Commission must now develop a bold plan to fix this, which will need to include higher employer contributions and a fair deal for those currently missing out.”

Nausicaa Delfas, Chief Executive of The Pensions Regulator, said: “The pensions system is still unfinished business with too many people on track for an inadequate retirement income.

“That is why we welcome the Pensions Commission report, and look forward to continuing to work with the Commission, Government and industry to create a system which delivers what matters most: a sustainable income in retirement for everyone.

Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson, CBE reacts to the Pension Commission’s interim report: “We welcome the Pension Commission’s interim report, which clearly sets out the challenges future pensioners will face in securing an adequate income.

“It is positive that the Commission recognises the vital role of the State Pension and social security entitlements in supporting those on low incomes. The findings that certain groups, including women and disabled people, are at greater risk of under-saving are concerning, but not unexpected. They echo our own research, which shows that these groups are more likely to experience poverty in later life.

“With 1.7 million older people currently living in poverty and 1 million more hovering precariously on the edge, it is clear change is needed to ensure a future where everyone in later life has a dignified and financially secure older age.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Commission as it develops its final recommendations.”

Charities call for end of rule locking 70,000 pensioners out of vital financial support

National charity Independent Age and 12 other organisations¹ have teamed up to send an open letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden, calling for an end to the mixed age couples rule.

The rule, introduced in 2019, could be preventing around 70,000 low-income couples from receiving entitlements specifically for older people until they bothreach State Pension age, leaving affected couples up to £7,000 worse off a year.

As well as the range of organisations calling for change, new polling from Independent Age shows that a large majority of the UK public back ending the rule, with 62% saying that couples where one person is over State Pension age should receive pension-age entitlements².

Together the organisations are urging the UK Government to reverse the mixed-age couples rule, to allow couples to claim pensioner benefits, like Pension Credit, once the older partner reaches State Pension age.

Data from 2019 shows that 12% of couples who could be eligible for Pension Credit have an age gap of more than 10 years, meaning the older partner may have to wait an extremely long time to access pensioner entitlements, adding to their financial strain. While couples in this situation are eligible to receive Universal Credit, this is paid at a lower rate and is not designed to meet the needs of people over State Pension Age.

In the letter the organisations say the issue is urgent:

‘Nobody should be punished financially because of who they love. Yet as many as 70,000 older people are missing out on the financial safety net designed to protect pensioners, just because of their partner’s age.

‘This is urgent. With the incoming rise in State Pension age, more and more couples on a low income will face an even longer wait to receive the entitlements they need due to the mixed-age couples rule.’

Independent Age Chief Executive, Joanna Elson CBE said: “Every day we hear from older people struggling to make ends meet, and for thousands of mixed-age couples the system is making that struggle even harder.

“This rule is unfairly locking around 70,000 older people out of vital pension-age support simply because their partner is younger.

“The UK Government has created a flawed system where two people of the same age can be treated completely differently depending on who they love. The financial support they are missing out on could be the difference between heating and eating or paying the rent.

“Twelve organisations have joined us in calling on the UK Government to act now and scrap the mixed-age couples rule, to ensure all older people on a low income get the financial security and dignity they deserve once they reach pension age.”

In the letter the organisations also express concern over ‘the assumption that all younger partners are able to be financially responsible for their household’ and how this ‘does not reflect reality for many couples. In lots of cases, a younger partner will have health conditions or unpaid caring responsibilities that could mean they are unable to work.’

Lynn, 62, and her husband David from Eastbourne have a five-year age gap and have been unable to access the support they need as a result: She said: “David and I met on a blind date. We’ve been married for nearly 24 years.

“Although David is my full-time carer, we’ve had a hard time getting any financial support because he’s five years older than me. We used to receive Employment and Support Allowance, but once my husband reached State Pension age, it stopped.

“David and I trudged around four different places, including the council, to try and find out what we were entitled to and we were told we could claim Pension Credit. But after seven months of receiving Pension Credit, we got a letter saying there had been a mistake and we weren’t entitled to it because we are a mixed-age couple. We were told to apply for Universal Credit instead.

“All this happened when we were in the middle of moving house and our Pension Credit payment was due. I remember thinking: Now what are we going to do? and being so worried as we literally had no money for our move. We just couldn’t understand why we were told we were eligible to claim Pension Credit and then the payments were suddenly stopped.

“For the first time ever, we had to turn to a food bank to get by. If it wasn’t for our children, I don’t know what we’d have done. They helped us get through this very stressful time in our lives.”

Jan Shortt, General Secretary, National Pensioners Convention said: “To treat people differently on the basis of who they fall in love with is nonsense.

“Mixed age couples are suffering financially because they cannot access the support they need. Decisions made by the government penalise mixed age couples and this must be addressed to enable them to be financially secure in the future.”

The organisations who have signed the letter alongside Independent Age are:

Age Scotland

Ageing Without Children (AWOC)

Age UK

Civil Service Pensioners Alliance

National Federation of Occupational Pensioners

Northern Irish Commissioner

National Pensioners Convention (NPC)

Re-engage

Unison Retired Members

National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO)

Welsh Older People’s Commissioner

Wise Age

For more information on Independent Age’s mixed aged couples campaign, see:

Mixed-age couples locked out of vital support | Independent Age

Completion of South Queensferry homes triggers charity donation

Funding linked to new homes will help reinstate vital music sessions for older people

MUSIC-LED sessions for older people in South Queensferry are set to return after a charitable donation from a major housing developer.

A £2,500 contribution from Cala Homes (East) was given to Manor Estates Housing Association (MEHA) and its community fund following the final handover of 25 social rent properties at the Queensferry Heights housing development.

The full amount has been awarded to Queensferry Churches Care in the Community (QCCC) to restart popular music sessions that had been scaled back due to financial pressures.

Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We are pleased to see this community benefit donation support such a worthwhile, local cause.

“At Cala, we are committed not only to delivering high-quality homes, but also to making a positive contribution to the communities in which we build.

“It is particularly rewarding to know this donation will help QCCC continue its valuable work supporting older people and reducing social isolation.”

QCCC supports around 400 older people each year across South Queensferry and surrounding communities, helping to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing through a range of services and activities.

The organisation had been forced to scale back some of its music-based sessions due to financial pressures, despite their proven benefits for emotional wellbeing, memory stimulation and social connection.

Claire Ironside, CEO of Manor Estates Housing Association, said: “We know just how beneficial these sessions are, particularly for older people. To be able to help bring them back through this funding is incredibly rewarding and shows the value of partnership working in action.”

The latest handover between Cala and Manor Estates brings Cala’s total delivery to 44 affordable homes across the development, forming part of a wider commitment tied to the site and local community.

The homes include a mix of houses and flats designed to meet a range of housing needs, helping to address ongoing demand for high-quality affordable housing in the area.

Claire added: “It has been hugely reassuring working with Cala throughout this development. The quality has been consistent from start to finish, and the finished homes are ones we are genuinely proud to offer to tenants.”

Retirement boost of £29,000 awaits millions as landmark Pension Schemes Act becomes law

Over 20 million workers are set to get more from every pound they save towards retirement thanks to the passing into law of historic pensions legislation yesterday, Wednesday 29 April 2026

Pension Schemes Bill to receive Royal Assent, delivering major reform to the UK’s £2 trillion worth of pensions.
New rules aim to benefit 22 million people as they drive down costs and boost returns on retirement savings.
Act paves the way for the upcoming Pensions Commission to ensure savers can look forward to a comfortable retirement.

Over 20 million workers are set to get more from every pound they save towards retirement thanks to the passing into law of historic pensions legislation yesterday, Wednesday 29 April 2026.

The Pension Schemes Act will bring about major reform to the UK pensions system, benefitting an average worker to the tune of up to £29,000 by the time they retire.

The Act will require pension schemes to prove they are delivering value for money, enable the automatic consolidation of small pension pots, and create larger, better-performing funds.

Many people build up several small pension pots as they move between jobs, making it difficult to keep track of their retirement savings. The new law will enable these pots to be brought together automatically, giving savers a clearer picture of their pension.

The new Act also introduces a Value for Money framework, protecting savers from being stuck in underperforming schemes. In future, pension schemes managers and trustees will need to offer clear default options for turning savings into retirement income, with the aim of giving people who choose this, a sustainable income in their retirement.

Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “Today is a landmark moment for the 22 million workers building up a pension pot across the UK.

“For too long, our pensions system has been fragmented and rarely ensures that people’s savings are working hard enough to support them in retirement.

“The Pensions Schemes Act will change that by creating schemes that drive down costs, deliver higher returns, and give savers the security they deserve.”

The Act aims to transform the pensions landscape, ensuring every pound saved delivers stronger returns while driving investment in the economy. Key measures include:

Enabling small pension pots to be automatically consolidated.
The VFM framework will standardise how value is assessed, leading to transparency and comparability. This, in turn, will drive competition and a long-term focus on value across the DC pensions sector.
Creating multi-employer defined contribution “megafunds” of at least £25 billion, which will drive down costs and enable investment in a wider range of assets, including in UK businesses and infrastructure.
Consolidating Local Government Pension Scheme assets into pools managed by FCA-regulated managers, supporting long-term investment in local infrastructure, housing and clean energy across the country.
Providing Defined Benefit schemes with greater flexibility to release surplus funds, unlocking collectively around £160 billion to support employers and deliver for scheme members.

Together the measures will benefit working people on an average salary who save into a pensions pot over their career by up to £29,000 by the time they retire.

The Act paves the way for the upcoming Pensions Commission which is examining how we ensure tomorrow’s pensioners are on track for a comfortable retirement and will make recommendations for change – potentially benefiting millions of people across the UK.

Campaigners call for action on pensioner poverty from party leaders ahead of May’s election

129 campaigners, led by the national charity Independent Age, have sent letters to the leaders of the six political parties expected to gain seats in May’s Holyrood election, calling on them to take action to tackle pensioner poverty.

160,000 (or one in six) older people across Scotland live in poverty. In the letter, campaigners call on politicians to make five pledges to address this growing issue, including creating a pensioner poverty strategy, appointing an Older People’s Commissioner and reducing energy bills.

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “Campaigners across Scotland are clear: we need action on pensioner poverty. The numbers of older people in financial hardship are far too high, with one in six now affected.

“These are older people who can’t afford their rent, skip meals, heat only one room in the winter and cannot afford to meet up with a friend for a cup of tea.

“Poverty in later life is not inevitable, nor should it be. We’ve seen that financial hardship can be reduced by political action. Those standing for election in May can make later life more secure and dignified for everyone by committing to the actions our campaigners are calling for.

“In a compassionate and caring society, we should look out for each other and together end the injustice of pensioner poverty.”

The letters, each addressed to the party leaders of the six biggest political parties in Scotland, will reach their recipients this week. The letters outline what campaigners want to see from whoever leads the next Scottish Government to bring down pensioner poverty. The charity released the publication ‘Security not struggle: a manifesto to reduce pensioner poverty’ which sets out five key pledges.

This includes an action-focused, target driven pensioner poverty strategy and a warm homes programme for older people on a low income to reduce energy bills. Additionally, it calls on the Scottish Government to both improve access to and increase funding for Discretionary Housing Payments to support the rent shortfall faced by many older renters on a low income.

Independent Age also believes that the social security system can be improved. It wants a review of Pension Age Disability Payment by April 2027, with a specific focus on introducing a mobility component. The organisation also wants to see a commitment to delivering a Minimum Income Guarantee.

Finally, the charity is calling for the creation of an Older People’s Commissioner, who would both listen to, and be a voice for people in later life, and raise awareness of financial entitlements that older people are not receiving such as Pension Credit.

THE LETTER READS:

Dear Party Leader,

We believe in a Scotland where older people can live with security, not struggle. Where the systems we build together provide a foundation of dignity and a life free from poverty.

Today, 160,000 older people in Scotland are living in poverty - more than at any point in nearly twenty years – with half in severe poverty. This is not inevitable. It is the result of systems that are not delivering for older people on low incomes: gaps in social security, unaffordable rents, and homes that cannot be kept warm.

Tackling pensioner poverty is possible through policy choices. And action by political parties in the next Scottish Parliament can progress solutions.

We are writing ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election as campaigners supporting Independent Age, the national charity for older people on a low income. We ask every party to commit to the five demands in its manifesto, Security Not Struggle: A Manifesto to Reduce Pensioner Poverty.

1.  Implement a national Pensioner Poverty Strategy

Scotland has the opportunity to be the first nation in the UK to put in place a cross-cutting strategy harnessing devolved powers to reduce pensioner poverty. The changes needed to turn the tide on rising pensioner poverty include social security, housing, food and energy – it’s time for a strategic plan to reduce pensioner poverty over the next Parliament.

2.  Appoint a Commissioner for Older People

More than half of older people feel unrepresented by their MSPs and nearly two thirds feel unrepresented by the Scottish Government. An independent Commissioner, established in law, would ensure older people’s rights and issues are amplified, heard by decision makers and support future policy development to meet the needs of our ageing population.

3.  Deliver a decent and dignified social security system

Social security should be the foundation of security in later life – but too often people fall through the gaps in the system. In Scotland, we can better support older people on low incomes if we act to introduce a mobility component to Pension Age Disability Payment, a Special Recognition Payment for older carers, and commit to a Minimum Income Guarantee: a floor below which no one falls.

4.  Reduce energy bills

Older people are most impacted by fuel poverty; around a third of older households are in fuel poverty and half of older people live in homes with poor energy efficiency. This is a structural issue – built into Scotland’s ageing housing stock. A targeted warm homes programme for older people on low incomes, backed by properly funded energy efficiency schemes, is essential to reduce fuel poverty and help meet Scotland’s own legal targets.

5.  Guarantee the right to a secure and affordable home

A home is the foundation of a dignified life. Yet renters, who make up just one in five pensioners, account for nearly half of all older people in poverty, and more than 25,000 are on a waiting list for social housing. It’s time to increase Discretionary Housing Payments, build the homes older people need, and enshrine the right to housing in Scots law.

People of all ages in Scotland support our calls for change: 9 in 10 recognise poverty is a growing problem for older people, and an overwhelming majority want more action from political parties.

We ask each of you to commit to taking action on pensioner poverty and to support the five asks in Security Not Struggle. We believe this is the right thing to do. Older people across Scotland are counting on you.

Yours sincerely,

Independent Age campaigners across Scotland

Scotland_manifesto_2026 Download

Anti-poverty campaigners call for a new Minimum Income Guarantee and a boost in Scottish Child Payment

LATEST POVERTY STATISTICS PUBLISHED

Campaigners have called for a Minimum Income Guarantee and an immediate increase in the Scottish Child Payment that will lift thousands out of poverty.

Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly was reacting to new Scottish Government figures on poverty and inequality.

He said: “Poverty is a profound injustice that robs people of what they need to build a decent life for themselves and a better future for our country. These figures show that MSPs in the next Scottish Parliament need to invest much more in the social foundation we all rely on.

“Because of changes in the way the figures have been worked out, we have to be cautious about the comparisons we make. But they show some welcome progress over the last few years, with the overall number of people in poverty falling by about 130,000 since 2021/22, and the number of children in poverty from 540,000 to 420,000.

“But we have serious concerns that those numbers could increase again, as people face yet another energy crisis and the prospect of rocketing living costs across the board.

“The figures show that there are 630,000 people in severe poverty – with children making up 150,000 of them. It is simply wrong that so many of our fellow citizens find themselves pushed so close to deprivation.”

The Poverty Alliance repeated its calls to boost the Scottish Child Payment to £55 a week.

Peter Kelly said: “Our new MSPs will have a legal responsibility to make sure that fewer than 10% of Scotland’s children are in poverty by 2030/31. Today’s figures show that 21% of our children are living with that daily injustice.

“We simply cannot allow this to continue. The Scottish Government can help by strengthening the support we give to households with children, and the UK Government can help by scrapping the unjust benefit cap.

“And over the course of the next Parliament, we will continue to build public support for real Living Wages and a Minimum Income Guarantee that will make sure everyone has what they need to use their talents for the benefit of themselves, their households, and all of us.”

Responding to today’s statistics on household incomes and poverty which show one in five children in Scotland are trapped in poverty, Chief Executive of Children First, Mary Glasgow said: “A small drop in child poverty does not change the urgent need for action to tackle Scotland’s childhood emergency and meet Scotland’s 2030 child poverty target.

“It is not acceptable that one in five children in Scotland are living in poverty. It has a devastating impact on children’s mental health, wellbeing, education and prospects that can last into adulthood. Reducing child poverty is an investment in Scotland’s future, improving public health, strengthening communities and reducing public costs in the long term.

“In the run up to the election, every political party must prioritise policies that support families, strengthen incomes and uphold Scotland’s commitment to eradicating child poverty.”

Commenting on today’s latest official poverty statistics, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “Today’s statistics show there are still too many pensioners living in poverty in Scotland.

“As the national charity supporting older people on low incomes, we know that older people are skipping meals, washing in cold water and not turning the heating on. This is wrong and a social injustice.

“As the Holyrood elections approach, all political parties must prioritise action to reduce pensioner poverty. This should start with a national strategy, a plan setting out the key actions to reduce poverty in older age and act as a map for how we will get there.

“They must also pledge to improve the social security support for older people on low incomes, and commit to supporting older people improve the energy efficiency of homes.

“We also urge the UK Government to introduce a social tariff for energy across the whole of the UK to reduce the cost of heating for older people on low incomes. The UK Government must also improve the take-up and adequacy of the payments they administer to older people.

“The levels of poverty in later life are too high in Scotland, and with around 1.7 million older people now in poverty across the UK, today’s figures must be a call to action.”

TRUSSELL commented: “It’s encouraging that child poverty is falling in Scotland. It shows the power of investing in social security.

“But it’s not acceptable that 1 in 5 children are locked in poverty. All parties must commit to decisive action to ensure every child has a decent start in life.”

Cara Hilton, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Trussell, said:  “Today, the Family Resources Survey has revealed a heartbreaking injustice; persistently high numbers of people across Scotland are trapped in the grip of severe hardship. 

“While the latest figures indicate that some people are getting back on their feet, the numbers of people facing hunger in our communities are still too high. As we find ourselves yet again facing uncertain times, we know that progress can be too easily undone. People just surviving could once again be pushed over the edge if the price of food and bills increases.

“Food banks in our community provided more than 220,000 food parcels in Scotland in 2025 – that’s 64% more than in 2015. These new figures from the government confirm that 500,000 people are facing hunger across Scotland. This isn’t right.

“With the Holyrood election just six weeks away, Trussell is calling on all political parties to commit to building a Scotland where everyone can afford the essentials and where every child has a decent start in life.

“This should include immediate investment to increase the Scottish Child Payment to £40 a week, increasing to £55 by the end of the next Holyrood session. We need the Scottish government to build firmer foundations for people on the lowest incomes so all of us have the support we need to thrive.” 

Latest poverty statistics published

Two poverty statistics publications were released by the Scottish Government yesterday. Poverty and income inequality in Scotland 2022-25 covers the period up to March 2025, presenting poverty rates for children, working-age adults and pensioners.

Methodological changes have been applied to the statistics in this report as the Department for Work and Pensions have linked the source data from the Family Resources Survey to administrative records on social security benefits.

As a result, there have been revisions to previously published poverty rates back to 2021/22, and further revisions are planned as part of on-going development work. Users should therefore note that caution is needed when interpreting the statistics to assess trends over time.

The most recent three-year averages for 2022-25 show that:

Around 17 per cent of Scotland’s population (940,000 people) were living in relative poverty after housing costs. This was 15 per cent (840,000 people) before housing costs. Poverty rates for Scotland’s population have been broadly stable for around a decade.
Children are more likely to be in relative poverty: 21 per cent of children are in relative poverty after housing costs, compared to 13 per cent of pensioners and 18 per cent of working-age adults. Children in relative poverty are more likely to be in a working household; 75% of children in relative poverty have at least one person working in the household while 25% have no-one in household working.
The median household income before housing costs was £707 per week and after housing costs was £636. Prior to 2021/22, median incomes had increased slowly but steadily since the recession in 2008/09.

Persistent Poverty in Scotland 2010-24 presents statistics on people who live in relative poverty for at least three out of the last four years. The latest figures show that around one in ten people in Scotland (11 per cent) were in persistent poverty, after housing costs, between 2020 and 2024. Persistent poverty rates were highest for children (17 per cent), and lower for working-age adults (10 per cent) and pensioners (9 per cent).

Persistent poverty is an important measure because the longer someone is in poverty, the more it impacts on their health, well-being, and overall life chances. These impacts can affect an individual throughout their lifetime.

Further information on the two publications is set out below:

This Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland publication contains statistics on poverty, child poverty, poverty risks for various equality characteristics, household income and income inequality for Scotland. This report also includes statistics on household food security. The data comes from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Family Resources Survey (FRS), Households Below Average Income dataset. Comparable UK income and poverty figures are published on the same day by DWP.

Statistics from this report have been revised, back to 2021/22, due to a methodology change. The FRS is now linked to administrative data, which means the majority of FRS responses for benefit income and tax credits have been replaced with data from DWP’s administrative sources. Further years of linked estimates back to survey year 2018/19 will be published in summer 2026 in a follow up release. The absolute poverty measure has also been amended as a result of the data linkage; full details can be found in the report.

This publication has been designated as official statistics in development in line with the other devolved administrations in order to acknowledge the changes to the methodology and that there will be a period of flux as further methodological changes are implemented. Future changes are announced by DWP in their release strategy, which is updated periodically as plans develop. A statistical blog has been published on the Scottish Government website to inform users of developments.

Figures are presented in the main report are three-year averages of each estimate. Three-year estimates are better to identify trends over time. The four child poverty measures in the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act are based on single-year figures. These statistics are available in the reference tables and in the child poverty summary. The single-year estimates exhibit more year-on-year fluctuation compared to the three-year averages and should be interpreted with caution.

This Persistent Poverty in Scotland publication presents estimates of the proportion of people in Scotland who live in persistent poverty. The data comes from the Understanding Society Survey, and the latest statistics cover the period from 2020 to 2024. Statistics from this report are badged as official statistics.

Poverty statistics are used by the Scottish Government and other organisations to monitor progress in tackling poverty and child poverty, and to analyse what drives poverty and what works for tackling poverty and income inequality.

Official statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

Key poverty measures:

Relative poverty: A person is in relative poverty if their current household income is less than 60% of the current UK median. Relative poverty statistics fall if income growth at the lower end of the income distribution is greater than overall income growth.

Absolute poverty: A person is in absolute poverty if their current household income is less than 60% of the UK median in a given reference year, adjusted for inflation. Absolute poverty statistics fall if low income households are seeing their incomes rise faster than inflation. Due to the structural break introduced by the data linkage the reference year for absolute poverty has been moved from 2010/11 to 2024/25. 

Combined low income and material deprivation identifies the proportion of children in households with incomes below 70% of the median UK income and going without certain basic essential goods and services.

Persistent poverty identifies the number of people in relative poverty for three or more out of four years. People who live in poverty for several years may be affected by it throughout their lifetime.

The poverty publications present poverty figures before and after housing costs. Before-housing-costs figures are a basic measure of household income from earnings and benefits. After-housing-costs figures subtract spending on rents, mortgage interest payments and other unavoidable housing costs from this basic income. In Scotland, poverty statistics focus mainly on poverty after housing costs.

Further information on income and poverty statistics within Scotland is available.

Poverty+and+income+inequality+statistics+2022_25 Download

Think Twice: Spotting Scams at Stockbridge Library

Did you know that 1 in 5 older adults has experienced an online scam—with billions of pounds lost every year?

To help tackle this growing issue, we’re hosting a free, practical, and easy-to-understand workshop designed especially for older adults and their families.

Learn how to recognise and respond to AI-driven misinformation, including:

• Deepfakes

• Online scams

• Misleading content on TV, messaging apps, and social media

This session is interactive, supportive, and completely non-technical—no prior knowledge needed.

Join us and gain the confidence to stay safe in today’s digital world.

Spaces are free—don’t miss out!

Mon 13th April 6.30 pm at Stockbridge Library

Charity welcomes review of how older victims are treated – but urges action…

Hourglass has welcomed a new inspection by His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI), which finds that older victims of crime generally receive a good service from prosecutors, but warns that court delays and an overly complex policy framework risk leaving older people waiting too long for justice.

The inspection, published today, examined 168 cases and assessed how the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) supports older victims throughout the prosecution process. Inspectors found that prosecutors often identify vulnerability well in practice and make appropriate use of special measures to support older victims to give their best evidence.

Hourglass worked closely with HMCPSI throughout the inspection, providing written evidence, sharing frontline insight from its work supporting older victim-survivors, and contributing to the development of the inspection framework.

The charity welcomed the inspectorate’s commitment to centring victim experience and engaging meaningfully with specialist third sector organisations.

The report highlights serious concerns about delays in the court system, noting the disproportionate impact these have on older victims, whose health and circumstances may deteriorate while cases are repeatedly adjourned.

Inspectors also found that the current approach to identifying and monitoring crimes against older people is overly complex and prone to error, with around a third of cases incorrectly flagged.

Significantly, the inspection reflects a number of issues consistently raised by Hourglass, including the need to lower the age threshold used to identify older victims, move away from a quasi-hate-crime model, and improve the quality and transparency of data.

HMCPSI recommends that the CPS simplify its approach by recognising all victims aged 60 and over, focusing on vulnerability rather than rigid definitions, and strengthening monitoring.

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Head of Policy at Hourglass, said: “We are grateful to HMCPSI for engaging closely with Hourglass throughout this inspection and for taking older victims’ lived experiences seriously.

“The report rightly recognises the commitment of prosecutors, while also being clear that the current framework is too complex and is producing inconsistent outcomes.

“We are particularly pleased to see our recommendations reflected in the inspectorate’s findings, including lowering the age threshold to 60 and simplifying the approach so that all older victims are consistently recognised and supported.

“We urge the CPS to adopt the recommendations in full and look forward to continuing to work constructively with them to support implementation.”

Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse and neglect of older people, has long called for greater consistency in how older victims are identified, better data to understand the scale and nature of abuse, and a justice system that responds with urgency to the realities of ageing and vulnerability.

The report makes three recommendations for the CPS to implement by September 2026:

simplifying the definition of crimes against older people to include all victims aged 60 and over
removing the requirement to treat these cases as ‘quasi-hate crimes’ and focusing instead on individual vulnerability
strengthening monitoring and data quality to ensure older victims are properly recognised.

Hourglass said the inspection provides a strong foundation for reform and an important opportunity to strengthen confidence among older victim-survivors that they will be seen, supported, and treated with urgency by the justice system.

Baroness Hughes of Stretford, England Patron for Hourglass, said: “Older victims of crime face particular barriers in being heard and supported, especially when cases are delayed or systems are overly complex.

“I welcome moves to create a clearer, more consistent approach that focuses on vulnerability and ensures older people are not overlooked. This is an important moment to strengthen confidence in the justice system for older victims.”

Independent Age comments on latest private renting statistics

The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) is an annual survey of over 10,000 households. It covers a range of different topics including your home, your neighbourhood and your views on local public services.

The Scottish Government, local councils and various charities use the results to improve the lives of people in your area and across Scotland. The survey has been running since 1999 and is independent of all political parties.

The latest survey was published yesterday.

Commenting on statistics released today in the Scottish Household Survey Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Independent Age said: “Older people now make up 13% of all private renters across Scotland.

“Privately renting in later life can be difficult, especially when living on a low, fixed income. Almost one in three (32%) older private renters live in poverty. With a growing proportion of the private rented sector made up of older people, it’s vital the Scottish government ensures renters of all ages, including those who are older, can live securely.

“With the Holyrood election fast approaching, we’re calling on all parties standing for election to commit to policies to support older renters in their manifesto. Over 25,000 pensioners are on the waiting list for a social home in Scotland, with almost three quarters (74%) waiting over a year.

“The next Government must build more affordable social housing. They must also improve access to, and increase funding for, Discretionary Housing Payments. These can help make up the shortfall between Housing Benefit and rental costs.

“They are vital to avoid older people making dangerous cutbacks on essentials like food and heating to be able to afford their rent, but most older people who could potentially access them are unaware they exist.”

Care Home residents touch the future with new interactive touch pad

Barchester Healthcare care home Strachan House located in Blackhall has added to their services with a new high-tech touch pad at the home (writes Strachan House Care Home’s JANE LONGSTAFF).

A care home which provides expert care to residents with mobility restrictions as well as those living with dementia, the sensory trolley has allowed residents of all capacities and mobilities to enjoy different, sensory experiences without even leaving their rooms.

The specially-adapted, fully-accessible display features immersive technology, which enables users to move shapes, colours and objects through gesture and movement. The touch pad has a number of features designed to help those suffering with with dementia to relax; the cart also helps de-escalate stressful and upsetting situations experienced by those suffering with different forms of the disease.

The unit is designed with a number of key features that include: a 4K screen which allows residents to take immersive voyages anywhere in the world, a variety of dementia-friendly apps which allow multi-sensory experiences, a virtual piano, a 3D chess set and other virtual games, large piece jigsaws and other activities for residents with mobility restrictions.

The 65” screen allows residents with visual difficulties to participate in activities they would otherwise be unable to see.