Poverty rates amongst older Londoners have increased
Published on 14 October 2022 06:47 AM
- 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%).
Campaigning charity, Age UK London, has released data ahead of London Challenge Poverty Week (17 -23 October) showing that poverty rates for over 50s are significantly higher in London compared with the rest of the country. The figures show that 25% of older Londoners live in poverty, compared to 18% in the rest of England.
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%).
Abigail Wood concludes: “There is still a long way to go to tackle poverty amongst older Londoners. While many of the powers to address this problem sit with Westminster, Age UK London calls on the Mayor and local authorities to do all that they can to support older Londoners who are struggling to make ends meet.”
The report can be downloaded here.
(An outline of typical issues being handled by the Age UK London Network is below in Editor’s Notes.)
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For further press information and to arrange interviews, contact Dee Byrne, Age UK London, dbyrne@ageuklondon.org.uk. Call: 07986 378358
Editors notes:
The research was commissioned by Age UK London in September 2022 and was carried out by WPI Economics.
Age UK London is a charity that campaigns for an age friendly London. Working with older Londoners, we campaign for change to improve the lives of those over 50 living in the capital and ensure that their experiences, needs and contributions are heard and taken into account by decision makers.
WPI Economics is a data insight, economics and public policy consultancy. We are driven by a desire to make a difference, both through the work we undertake and by taking our responsibilities as a business seriously. We provide a range of public, private and charitable clients with research, economic analysis and advice to influence and deliver better outcomes through improved public policy design and delivery.
Case Study - Age UK Barnet – Zenda Green, Household Support Fund Manager
“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.