ONE IN FIVE PENSIONERS FORCED TO CUT BACK ON HEATING
(Published 14 April 2011)
A survey by charity Age UK has revealed that the rise in the cost of living is causing 20% of pensioners to cut back on their heating.
Despite the recent fall in inflation, the Consumer Prices Index is at 4%, double the Governments target of 2%.
The survey of 1,200 over 60s found that nearly half just ‘get by’ and one in 10 admit they are finding it difficult to cope with rising living costs.
Pensioners are hit disproportionately by inflation because they spend a larger percentage of their income on essentials such as heating and food.
Michelle Mitchell, Age UK’s charity director, said: “At a time when so many people are struggling financially, it is unacceptable that vital benefits are failing to reach some of the poorest and most vulnerable older people in our society. This is money that could make a huge difference to people’s quality of life.”
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