It Doesn't Add Up - Cost of Living Crisis campaign

At Age UK Norwich we are deeply concerned about how the rising cost of living is affecting older people on low and modest incomes. Prices of everyday items are going up so quickly now that many older people feel totally overwhelmed.

Older people get in touch with us every day to say they're drastically cutting back on their spending, but their finances just won’t stretch to cover the huge rise in prices that they're facing. People of all ages across the country are finding that their monthly budgets simply don’t add up anymore.

The Government did the right thing by protecting the triple lock and promising the State Pension and benefits – like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance – will also rise with inflation in April, but many are wondering how they'll get through this winter. 

We're pleased the Government listened to us and announced more support with energy costs at the Autumn Statement. For instance, the Universal Energy Price Guarantee will continue after April next year, although it'll be less generous.

There will also be targeted cost of living payments for pensions, disabled people and those on Pension Credit and some other means-tested benefits. Linking cost of living payments to the receipt of certain benefits is a practical way of getting extra help to many, but those on low incomes who just miss out on benefits will also miss out on the extra support. So we want the Government to go further to ensure that all pensioners on low and modest incomes get the support they need to stay warm, eat properly and live well.