Over half of older people in Scotland living on a low income are concerned about how they will pay their heating bills during the next six months, according to new research by Independent Age. The charity’s report, ‘A constant struggle: The impact of high household costs on older people facing financial hardship ’, looks at a wide range of household costs including energy, broadband and Council Tax, and the difficulties faced by many older people struggling to cope with rising prices.
Living in a cold home can significantly damage someone’s health and as people age, they are more likely to live with a condition that necessitates a warm environment. The polling indicates that 38 per cent of older people living with a health condition for 12 months are more likely to use more gas, and 46 per cent more electricity.
Top Money Stories Today Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “Millions of older people living in financial hardship will already be dreading the upcoming cold weather. “Introducing a social energy tariff that discounts costs per unit could transform the lives of those struggling to pay these bills. The UK Government must act now or risk another winter full of pain and anxiety for older people living in, or on the edge of poverty.”
The ‘Reintroduce the Energy Bills Support Scheme for winter 2023/24 ’ petition has been posted on the official petitions-parliament website and states: “Although energy prices are decreasing, they still remain well above normal levels. I believe the best course of action the UK Government can take is to reintroduce the Energy Bills Support Scheme for winter 2023/24 which was a massive help for households earlier this year.