Older people face tough choices as pension increase outstripped by rising prices

Age Scotland has warned that older people face tough times as today's 3.1% rise in the state pension falls well short of the soaring cost of energy, fuel and food.

The national charity for older people has called for more immediate one-off payments to be made available to pensioners on the lowest income to support them through the cost of living crisis, which has seen prices rise at their fastest rate in 30 years.

 Adam Stachura, head of policy and communications at Age Scotland, said:

"Today's state pension increase is dwarfed by the rising costs of bills and leaves hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland facing tough times ahead.

"The UK government's decision to scrap the triple lock on pensions, which guaranteed a real cost of living increase, has made day to day living for many older people very bleak indeed.

"There needs to be more one off payments for older people on the lowest incomes as a matter of urgency to avoid a grim situation becoming worse.

"Older people must be made aware of the benefits they are entitled to claim to help them through this challenging time. And the stigma of claiming benefits needs to be removed so that older people can get the financial support they are entitled to.

"This cost of living crisis is forcing older people to make impossible choices, between heating their homes and food shopping. Energy and food are necessities, not privileges, and it is shocking to think of older people in Scotland today having to live in a cold home or go hungry because they can't afford to pay escalating bills.

"We would urge any older person who is struggling to cope to call our helpline on 0800 12 44 222 where our advisers can offer advice, information and support."