Response to IEA report

In response to a report from the IEA, Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

'Suggesting that all older people enjoy a ‘privileged' economic position shows total ignorance of the reality of life for the majority of over-65s.  In fact the UK has one of the lowest state pensions in Europe, with 1.8 million pensioners living in poverty and many more surviving just above the breadline.

'Fixing pension payments to prices would lead to a steady rise in pensioner poverty over coming decades, while removing entitlements such as free bus travel and the winter fuel payment will mean more cold homes and fewer chances to get out and about.

'With political parties united in their commitment to re-building a solid state pension system, it is very disappointing that groups such as the IEA are trying to unpick hard-won consensus.'

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media contact: Vicky Smith
Tel: 020 8765 7515
Out of hours: 07071 243 243