More than 100,000 pensioner households are in energy debt, but campaigners fear that figure is just the tip of the iceberg as the cold winter months loom.
New Research Reveals Scale of Debt
New research this week found that 80,832 single older households and 29,219 couple households in the UK have gone in the red when it comes to their energy bills.
But campaigners warn that the true number of pensioners struggling is much higher. They point out that many of the proud older generations will take drastic measures to avoid going into debt, including making the heartbreaking choice between heating and eating.
Heatwave Adds to Woes
And the problem is not just warming their homes, but also being unable to turn on a fan to stay cool as Britain bakes in its fourth heatwave of the summer.
Fears are growing as energy bills are expected to remain high this winter amid the fallout from the Middle East conflict.
Price Cap Hikes
The price cap jumped by an eye-watering 13% in July, taking a typical home’s annual bill to £1,862 a year.
And analysts have predicted another 2% hike in October as temperatures begin to plunge and the dark evenings hit.
Campaigners Warn of Repeat
Campaigners warn the pensioners must not face another winter like they did in 2024 when Labour stripped most OAPs of the winter fuel allowance, before later U-turning on the decision in the face of a furious backlash.
There had been fears over the future of the triple lock - which ensures the state pension goes up by at least 2.5% a year - but Andy Burnham has insisted he will stick to Labour's manifesto to keep it in place for the current parliament.
Government Measures
Sir Keir Starmer's successor entered 10 Downing Street on a promise to give people "breathing space" amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
He announced plans to scrap VAT from electricity in one of his first acts as Prime Minister, which will save an average household £45.
But campaigners for the elderly have warned that the move, while welcome, will not solve the issue. They say that the "sheer number of older people suffering is staggering" and that the new figures on pensioners in energy debt “make a mockery” of claims the triple lock is not needed.
It is a big problem for Mr Burnham and at the moment he does not appear to have an answer to it as older people worry about how they will stay warm in the coming winter.
