Levels of pensioner poverty a national scandal

More than 120,000 pensioners in Scotland live in persistent poverty according to new figures released by the Scottish Government. These latest persistent poverty estimates relate to the period between January 2015 and December 2019 and have shown a rise to 12% from 8% in 2010.

Age Scotland has described the numbers as "hugely frustrating" and a "national scandal", with no real progress on reducing them.

The relative poverty rate after housing costs for pensioners was 14% in 2017-20, or 150,000 pensioners each year.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive said:

“It’s hugely frustrating that levels of pensioner poverty remain so high and there has been no real progress on reducing it. In Scotland we have, marginally, the highest proportion of pensioners in persistent poverty than the other UK nations and it has been on the increase. There are around 150,000 pensioners living in relative poverty, the equivalent of the population of Dundee, and that number has been fairly static for the last few years. It is a national scandal and doesn’t get anywhere near enough attention.

“We’ve got to end pensioner poverty but it needs action on all fronts and by many people. We want to see political leaders at this election outline how they are going to tackle this.

“We know that more than 120,000 pensioners aren’t claiming the social security support, such as Pension Credit, that they are entitled to. That would go a long way to lifting people out of poverty and we must break down all the barriers to them making these claims so that their income can be boosted. We’ve got to reduce costs such as housing, energy and debt, and ensure that there is a strong labour market which supports older people to work for longer if they want and need to with good pay and conditions.

“It’s incumbent on all governments, local authorities, public services and charities to support people to access every penny that they are entitled to, irrespective of who administers that fund, and make the process for doing so streamlined and automated.

“Hundreds of millions of pounds go unclaimed by older people every year. Age Scotland’s free 0800 12 44 222 helpline can help them understand what they could be missing out on and help with the claims.”