Age UK Westminster provides a voice and support to local residents amidst the energy crisis

A visit from the Chancellor to discuss the energy crisis

On Friday 4th February, Chancellor Rishi Sunak visited Age UK Westminster at the Beethoven Centre, to meet older people and discuss the government’s package of financial support in response to the rise in energy bills, announced the day before.

Older people discussed how the rising cost of living is affecting them and their worries about future rises in their energy bills. Many were concerned that they stand to gain little from the reduction in council tax as they do not live in a property that qualifies and that the £200 rebate on energy bills is a loan and not a grant. Many older people on low or fixed incomes will still face the stark choice between paying for their heating bills or eating. The older people present were able to challenge the Chancellor on his support package and hope he takes their concerns on board.

One local resident, Bena, explained: "I came to the event because I didn’t have to put my heating on at home. My bills have gone up already and I don’t use a lot of appliances because I’m worried about the cost. The government need to do more to help me and others like me."

Another client, Elsie, added: "Meeting the Chancellor meant that I had a lucky, direct and wonderful opportunity to demand more help for oldies, plus millions of other people, who are struggling due to both the Energy Price Rise and the rising cost of living. The meeting warmed my heart but my feet are still freezing because I can't turn the heating on!"

Mehfuz Ahmed, CEO at Age UK Westminster, said “Older People enjoyed meeting and talking to the Chancellor and took the opportunity to explain difficulties they were experiencing with the rise of the cost of energy. They appreciated the recent announcement of £200 to support the energy rise but the amount is not sufficient to meet, not just the cost of rising energy bills, but cost of living too. Older people also want a longer-term support plan where they don't have to repay.”

A million older households are already living in fuel poverty and the energy price rise this spring could leave millions more struggling to afford their bills. With rising costs for all generations, we know many older people will be choosing between heating and eating in the coming months. For instance, figures show that 2.1 million (18 per

cent) of pensioners in the UK live in poverty. We can’t let a situation arise in which older people are so worried about unaffordable energy bills that they put their health at risk by turning off their heating and not keeping their homes sufficiently warm. Older people often have a greater need for energy compared to other age groups – they feel the cold more, often have health conditions made worse by the cold and many live in homes that are hard to heat.

Age UK feels there is a crisis that needs to be dealt with. The existing financial support available to older people is nowhere near the scale of the energy price rise older people will face from April.

It's vital that further action is taken to protect older people from unaffordable energy bills. That’s why we’re urging the Government to remove the 5% VAT rate on energy bills until at least the end of 2022, and to provide a £500 one-off payment to those on low incomes who qualify for the Cold Weather Payment.

In Westminster, we are helping our residents to access the Westminster City Councils Hardship fund, which is aimed at helping vulnerable residents with essential household costs over the winter months. The financial assistance is in the form of supermarket vouchers to spend at Sainsburys to help with food, fuel or water costs. The amount ranges from £50-£250 and applicants to the scheme must reside in Westminster and be on a low income. They must also be in receipt of a means-tested benefit e.g.: Universal credit, Pension credit or Employment and Support Allowance, or have a household income of below £21,500.

Some residents who have received help from the Hardship fund said:

"I was struggling to buy food and didn't know where to get help from.

Age UK Westminster helped me to get a hardship fund of £250. It was a godsend, the financial stress decreased. I’m thankful to them." - Mr C

While, Mrs J said: "I was choosing between eating and heating my home. With the hardship fund of £150, I was able to do both. This help is really needed, especially now that energy prices are rising."

We also have support from the Green Doctors charity, which advises people how to make their home more energy efficient with impartial advice, as well as giving information on installing energy saving devices and switching energy providers. This service is available to anyone over the age of 65 who is on a low income, or who has a long-term health condition or disability. Their aim is to help residents stay warm, save money and liver greener. Their advisors also provide workshops to teach people how to their keep homes warm and prevent damp.

It is clear that the Government must also do everything possible to ensure that everyone who is eligible for Pension Credit receives it, as it's the passport to a package of support that can protect an older person from entering fuel poverty.

We would like to remind older people that:

Everyone’s top priority should be keeping warm and well and we urge older people not to put their health at risk by rationing their heating beyond what feels comfortable. We understand that rising fuel bills are a big concern, but before you turn your heating down or off altogether, we urge you to call Age UK’s advice line on 0800 169 65 65 (open every day 8am-7pm) to check you are receiving all the financial help to which you are entitled. We know many older people are currently missing out. Your energy supplier must offer support if you are struggling with bills or debt. To lighten the burden, you can ask to go onto an affordable repayment plan.

There are quick and easy tips to help you afford bills and keep yourself warm, in our information guide, Winter Wrapped Up, which is available online or as a paper copy by calling our free national advice line on 0800 169 65 65.

To access help and advice in Westminster, please contact Age UK Westminster on:

Telephone: I&A Helpline: 020 3004 5610

E-mail: enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk

Enquiries hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am - 4:00pm

If you want to support our work in any way, please

E-mail: enquiries@ageukwestminster.org.uk