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Age UK responds to the latest inflation figures showing the cost of living has gone up 10.1% in the past year

By: Age UK
Published on 19 October 2022 06:30 AM

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “The rising rate of inflation announced today only strengthens the case for reinstating the triple lock which, let’s not forget, was introduced to protect pensioners from the kind of hardship that many are facing now, and that even more will face over the next few months. With the cost of food and energy soaring, and the universal Energy Price Guarantee set to end in April, pensioners on low and modest incomes are confronting the fact that basic goods and services are increasingly beyond their means. They are looking ahead to the winter with great fear as a result. We have already heard from older people who are risking their health by switching off essential medical equipment, lights, heating and fridges – none of them luxuries - because they worry worse is to come.

"If the Prime Minister decides to break her triple lock promise it would be devastating for the millions of older people who rely on the State Pension, which is only worth about £9,000 a year on average anyway, as their main source of income. Knowing their State Pension would keep pace with rising prices because of the triple lock has given precious hope to many older people at a time of great anxiety; for the Government to take that away from them now would be a hammer blow, as well as a flagrant breach of trust."

 

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Last updated: Jul 18 2024

Notes to editors:

Age UK is a national charity that works with a network of partners, including Age Scotland, Age Cymru, Age NI and local Age UKs across England, to help everyone make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances.

In the UK, the Charity helps more than seven million older people each year by providing advice and support.  It also researches and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring that older people: have enough money; enjoy life and feel well; receive high quality health and care; are comfortable, safe and secure at home; and feel valued and able to participate.

Age UK’s subsidiary charity, Age International, supports older people globally in over 30 developing countries by funding programmes such as vital emergency relief and healthcare and campaigning to raise awareness and change policies.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and registered company number 6825798). Charitable services are provided through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company (CiC) (registered company number 1102972) which donates its net profits to Age UK (the Charity)

 

For more information

Contact the Age UK Media team on 020 3033 1430 during office hours (Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30) or for out-of-hours media support please email media@ageuk.org.uk

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