UK pensioners struggling to cover energy costs
A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has today revealed to what extent gas and electricity price rises are impacting upon the lives and financial well-being of the elderly in the UK. The report shows that between 2004 and 2007 pensioners in the UK saw their gas costs increase by 55% and electricity costs by 36% while reducing their own consumption by 10%. The report also reveals that around 2.5 million pensioners in the UK are currently in the "fuel poverty trap" whereby more than 1/10th of their monthly income is spent on energy bills.
Age Concern has joined the debate and confirmed that nearly 25% of those aged 65 or over cannot afford to heat specific rooms in their home and indeed a significant number have even taken to spending the day in bed to reduce their heating costs. As we have mentioned on numerous occasions, the elderly in the UK appear to have been ignored over the last few years although as we approach the next general election there is no doubt there will be more "financial incentives" presented to them.
Until the authorities tackle this particular situation head-on it seems that the elderly in UK will struggle to make ends meet during the cold winter period.
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