Older People's Fair in Kettering

An excellent opportunity to share information about services and support

It is not every day that the opportunity to speak to the government minister with responsibility for Pensions and Financial Inclusion at the Department for Work and Pensions comes your way, but on Friday 1st July Sales and Marketing Manager Roger Harris [pictured above left] was able to speak to Guy Opperman MP at the Older People’s Fair in Corn Market Hall in Kettering.

At the time, Guy Opperman was Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department of Work and Pensions.  He has subsequently resigned from the government but his comments about the importance of older people claiming any Pension Credit to which they’re entitled remain true.  Roger confirmed that the charity’s experience is that claiming Attendance Allowance, as well as Pension Credit, can make a dramatic difference to some of the most vulnerable older people and their families in the county.

Age UK Northamptonshire is concerned about the rising cost of living and the effect it is having on older people who are on low and modest incomes. Prices of everyday items are going up quickly and many pensioners are finding that monthly budgets are not adding up anymore and that they must cut back on their spending. The main price rises are for food and fuel with large increases in April, although those increased costs are likely to continue to increase given the war in Ukraine and inflationary pressures around the world.

“Many more of our clients are calling Age UK Northamptonshire to ask for advice and help,” says Roger.  "I am delighted to attend North Northamptonshire's Older People's Fair and hope that many local people will have found it very useful and informative.

“For now, the most important thing is for older people to check as soon as possible if they are entitled to additional benefits, as it may entitle them to an extra payment if they apply in time,” says Roger.  The Information & Advice Service is able to help with claims for Attendance Allowance and other benefits.  Please call 01604 611207 for details.

Roger was pleased to meet Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, and to bring him up-to-date with the many services and the support we provide throughout the county.  Roger made sure Cllr Smithers had a supply of our Guide To Services leaflet and a few Engage magazines.

Roger was also pleased to talk to Zakia Loughead, Director Safeguarding and Wellbeing and Provider Services, and Laurie Warrilow, Team Manager Safeguarding and Quality, from North Northamptonshire Council.  Together, we can improve late rlife for everyone in Northamptonshire.