Autumn Statement: Charity urges the chancellor to reinstate the triple lock and raise benefits in line with inflation

Ahead of the autumn statement, Age Cymru is calling on the Westminster Government to reinstate the triple lock from next April and commit to raising the value of benefits, including Pension Credit, in line with inflation.  The charity says the triple lock was originally designed to protect the state pension against rising inflation – currently running at around 11%. 

Older people across Wales are telling us they are worried about how they are going to afford to heat their homes and put food on the table in the coming months, let alone socialise with family and friends.  Many are skipping meals, switching off lights, and keeping the heating off.  Some have even told us they are turning off medical support equipment to save on their energy bills. 

The current cost-of-living crisis is hitting older people especially hard because they tend to live on low fixed incomes.  They also spend a larger proportion of their money on non-luxury items such as heating and food – both of which have skyrocketed in price.   Many have also said they feel let down by the Government’s announcement to cut universal energy support after six months instead of the two years previously promised.  

Ends. 

Notes to Editors 

Approximately £175m pounds worth of benefits and entitlements go unclaimed each year in Wales, money that could provide crucial support in the current crisis.  It seems some people are reluctant to claim, some are put off by the claims process – and others simply don’t know that they qualify for extra support.   

So, it’s well worth older people speaking to one of our advisers to see whether they’re claiming all that they’re due. Last year, the Age Cymru partnership helped older people claim more than £7.5 million pounds in benefits and entitlements.  

Older people can talk to one of our expert advisers, in Welsh or English, on 0300 303 44 98. Age Cymru Advice is open between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. (Calls are charged at the same rate as a call to a standard 01 or 02 number. They will also be automatically included in any landline or mobile inclusive minutes package.)  

 They can also email us at advice@agecymru.org.uk or visit our website at www.agecymru.org.uk