Dear Editor,
While the Autumn Budget announcements are welcome, they do not go far enough to protect older people from the sharp rise in energy bills that is still to come, especially those who are struggling on lower incomes – some pensioners are undoubtedly going to need more financial support this winter.
Delivering support through Council Tax banding is an inefficient and potentially unfair way of targeting help to those most in need. There are a number of older people living in higher banded properties who have a very low income, and they will completely miss out.
We welcome the Welsh Government’s commitment to matching the £100 energy payment. However, it is essential that further support is provided for older people who will not qualify for this scheme. Wales has the opportunity to lead the way by ensuring help reaches all older people facing hardship. With fuel poverty already affecting too many households, additional action cannot wait.
Once we all know just how high fuel bills are set to go this winter, the UK and Welsh Governments must come forward with an adequate response.
Those least able to absorb rising costs are set to face the biggest hit. Low-income households with higher energy needs due to a long-term health condition or disability, as well as those living in energy-inefficient homes, could see their energy bills rise further as a result of changes to standing charges.
Currently, there is a real risk that many pensioners will be left facing impossible choices between keeping warm and making ends meet. The UK Government need to ensure that older people can heat their homes adequately so they can stay safe and well.
On the Income Tax threshold, we are pleased that the UK Government has taken on board the difficulties many low-income pensioners will face when the State Pension goes over the income tax personal allowance – protecting low-income pensioners from facing a demand for a cash payment from the taxman is paramount and this looks to have been taken care of. We will look carefully at the proposals to make sure those most at risk aren’t being disadvantaged.
We await further detail from the Welsh Government on how it will support older people this winter and look forward to engaging with them to help ensure support reaches those most in need.
Yours faithfully,
Victoria Lloyd
Chief Executive, Age Cymru
| [donate]
| Help keep news FREE for our readersSupporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism,then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. |
