Older people on low incomes who are struggling to pay their bills need at least £500 in government support to stay warm and keep the lights on, according to Age UK.
It said that in the past six weeks the number of over-65s worried about heating their home had risen from 43 per cent to 62 per cent – equivalent to 7.8million people. According to a survey, more than 80 percent of the over-65s believe that the Government should intervene.
Households are struggling with energy bills after an increase in tariffs in October, but another rise due in April could push bills up by £700 more.
Yesterday’s statement by Rishi Sunak was that help is on the horizon for heavy industries and homeowners.
Age UK wants everyone who receives the Cold Weather Payment to be given an extra £500
Age UK wants everyone who receives the Cold Weather Payment to be given an extra £500. Additionally, it wants 5% VAT to be removed from household energy bills beginning in April and ending at the end of the calendar year. This would shave almost £100 off annual bills.
A think tank, the Social Market Foundation, stated that handouts of cash were the best way to help people. It said that families on benefits should be given £500 each, and households with no one paying higher-rate income tax should be given £300. The plan would cost an estimated £8.5billion.
Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, said: ‘Millions of older people are absolutely dreading the imminent price cap announcement and urgently need reassurance that help is on its way so they can keep their heating on.’
In the last week, over 50,000 people signed an open letter to Boris Johnson, Prime Minster. They asked him to immediately protect seniors from expensive energy bills.
Age UK claims that many people are already experiencing the effects of rising living costs, and that thousands have been forced to reduce their heating.
In the last week, over 50,000 people signed an open letter to Boris Johnson, Prime Minster. They asked him to immediately protect seniors from expensive energy bills.
You will find many people sharing their stories, including those who have been struggling financially and are cutting down on food, heating and other basic necessities.
One woman told the charity: ‘Like many elderly people, I’m rationing my heating and trying to think of more ways to keep my head above water financially.
‘With the cost of food and most other necessities going up almost daily, the future, especially over the colder months, looks very bleak indeed.’
Regarding the problems facing many, Mr Sunak said: ‘We’re looking at lots of different things, we’re talking to lots of different businesses.
He added: ‘I’m cognisant of the challenges, which is why we’re constantly talking to people and listening to them.’