London poverty rates on the rise

Poverty rates amongst older Londoners have increased and outstrip the rest of the country, according to a report by Age UK London. Here we look at the findings and then our Household Support Manager Zenda Green, talks about how our one-off grants have been helping older people in Barnet who have been struggling.

•           25% of older Londoners (over 50s) live in poverty, compared to 18% in the rest of England

•           20% of Londoners in their fifties are in fuel poverty, compared to 15% in the rest of England

•           The proportion of pensioners in London living below the minimum income standard is 7 percentage points higher than for the rest of England. Ten years ago the gap was only 2 percentage points.

•           Older Londoners are 50% more likely to be experiencing food insecurity than those in the rest of England (12% compared with 8%).

This latest-available data was collected before the pandemic and therefore it is likely that poverty will increase even further in the current economic climate.

Abigail Wood, CEO of Age UK London said:

“These findings are alarming. They show that even before the pandemic the number of older Londoners falling into poverty was rising. Age UK London is concerned that the current cost of living and energy crisis is set to push thousands more over the poverty line. It is also worrying to see a growing gap between the number of older Londoners who can afford a basic standard of living and older people in the rest of the country.”

Housing tenure makes a huge difference and poverty rates for older private renters are twice as high as home owners and three times higher than those of social tenants with 44 percent living in poverty. In addition, older Londoners are 50% more likely to be experiencing food insecurity than those in the rest of England (12% compared with 8%).

The Household Support Fund

Age UK Barnet is distributing the Household Support Fund on behalf of Barnet Council - one-off grants for Barnet residents of pensionable age who are facing financial hardship. Zenda Green, Household Support Fund Manager reveals where the need has been greatest!

 “The main issues that I and the Household Support Fund Team are dealing with is the daily living costs. The majority of people that we are dealing with need help with their energy bills. There is also a need for white goods for example ovens, fridges and freezers. We are also seeing a need for warm clothing and have been asked for money to buy warm coats and warm blankets. We have also been helping clients with wider essentials for example beds, mattresses and other essential furniture.

All clients that come through the Household Support Fund are asked if they have any illnesses or disabilities so we are able to pick up those who are not in receipt of any disability benefits and send them the information needed to make a claim for Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment. Our approach is to try to maximise peoples’ income where eligible.

We have been able to help two clients who were in care homes waiting to be discharged home, but due to their homes being in a state of disrepair could not return home. We have been able to assist them with Grants to pay for decorating and having new flooring laid.

We are unable to provide help with mortgage support, holidays, help with long term respite costs, or paying off multiple debts but we endeavour to help in other ways.  We have had such a good response back from our clients. People are truly grateful in such dire times.

For more details about our Household Support Fund, including who is eligible, please click here.