High costs across the board, from utilities and food to accessing the internet, are causing misery for thousands of older people across Scotland, warns national charity Independent Age.
Laid bare in their new report – The Hidden Two Million – is the profound impact high costs are having on those in later life living on the lowest income across the UK. In Scotland, over half (56%) of those polled on a low income (less than £15,000 per year) say they are worried about the cost of electricity. When asked about heating, still over half (54%) were concerned about the utility’s affordability.
Food inflation has been at record highs the past year, and this has also had a harmful impact on those on the lower end of the income spectrum. Polling by Independent Age shows that a staggeringly high 45% of older people living on £15,000 per year or less are cutting back on their food spending and well over a third (42%) of the same group are concerned about covering their food bills for the next 6 months.
Across the UK, 20% of single pensioners, and 7% of couple pensioners have no other source of income outside the State Pension and other benefits. Older people in financial hardship have shared with Independent Age that managing on a fixed income means, when faced with increased bills, the only options they feel they have to choose from, are to cut back – which could harm physical and mental health – or go into debt.
It’s not just big bills that are squeezing older people’s finances. Smaller but important bills, such as phone and broadband, are also causing money worries.
New polling commissioned by Independent Age shows that 39% of older people with an income of less than £15,000 per year, are already cutting back on their phone usage to save money while 35% of the same group are fearful of not being able to afford their broadband bill during the next 6 months.
This is concerning as not being digitally connected can lead to social isolation and limits access to better deals only found online.
Recommendations
Independent Age is urging both the government and private sector to do the following in support of older people in financial hardship:
- Utility companies must provide and promote financial support to everyone on low incomes, including older people
- The UK Government should introduce national social tariffs across utilities such as energy
- The UK and Scottish Governments must ensure that everyone in financial hardship in later life receives the financial support they are entitled to
June, 67, Glasgow, is currently struggling financially. She said: “Now I know exactly what’s getting paid with my pension, I know what’s coming in.
“I’m very cautious with money. I’m careful to make sure I’ve got enough to get me my food. You’ve got to be careful because you can still run out at the end of the month, not got any money, know what I mean, then you end up going to the food bank.
“If something big was to come up that was needed, say my fridge, God forbid, or my cooker or washing machine, it would be a worry. I would have to get help. I can’t go out and buy big things.
“I cannot go for a cup of tea or buy a wee meal for my friends, it’s irritating because you want to do more. But I’m restricted, I’ve not got the finance for that. So you just forget it. I live a quiet life.”
Debbie Horne, Scotland Public and Policy Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “These new figures are a stark reminder of just how frightening turbulent economic times can be for those on the lowest incomes.
“Thousands of people in later life across Scotland are being financially squeezed in every direction, this can be damaging to people’s mental and physical health.
“We hope that all utility companies will review their support for their most vulnerable customers, including older people, and ensure they are protected from future spikes in costs.
The hidden two million. The reality of financial hardship in later life
Independent Age launched its powerful report at an event last week to raise awareness of its renewed focus to support the more than 2 million older people across the UK living in financial hardship (including the 150,000 in poverty in Scotland), and those hovering above the line in a financially precarious situation.
The new research provides the latest insights into poverty in later life.
The event also saw the premier of the charity’s new thought provoking film that amplifies the voices of older people currently living in financial hardship.
Here is the link to the film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Roq07aRNZi4&ab_channel=IndependentAge