Soaring energy prices could trigger a national emergency for millions of older people, a charity has warned.

Household bills are expected to increase by 50% in April to an average of £2,000 a year.

Age UK is urging ministers to take immediate and decisive action to ‘mitigate the potentially devastating impact of the escalating crisis’.

In a letter to business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng and work and pensions secretary Therese Coffey, the charity wrote: ‘We know that many older people on low incomes already feel under so much financial pressure that they are rationing their energy use.

‘We have heard from older people who are too worried to use their oven and are living off soup and sandwiches instead… and turning their heating off once their daily spending exceeds the meagre limit they have set.’

It is Age UK’s second letter to the Government in as many months, urging ministers to prevent a ‘catastrophic’ crisis for many older people.

The government’s price cap — the maximum suppliers can charge — is set to rise from £1,277 to £1,995 on April 1 because of the high global gas prices.

Age UK’s director Caroline Abrahams said: ‘The astronomical hike now widely anticipated has already forced many deeply anxious older people on low incomes to turn their heating down below what is comfortable or advisable.

‘Make no mistake, this situation will have a devastating impact on the health of our older population unless the government intervenes quickly and takes their fears away.

‘Older people, particularly those living on low fixed incomes, urgently need reassurance from the Government that they can afford to keep warm when low temperatures demand it, without going into debt – something most dread and will do anything to avoid.’

Ms Abrahams said that while many older people are well practiced at making a small pension go a long way, it won’t be enough to protect them. 

She added: ‘We are already hearing utterly heart-breaking stories from older people who are desperately worried about price increases and are rationing essential heating and even food as a result.

‘This isn’t a crisis that’s arriving in the spring, it’s one that’s here already for many older people because their fear of unaffordable bills is driving them to not even try to stay adequately warm this winter.

‘Every day that the Government sits on its hands, it increases the risks to older people’s health from living in a cold home.’

Age UK’s winter advice

Before turning the heating off or down, check you are receiving all the financial support available to you, including key benefits such as Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance.

Energy suppliers have a duty to offer support if people are struggling with bills or debt.

Contact your supplier directly to ask about available support including an affordable repayment plan. 

Older people can call Age UK’s free national advice line on 0800 169 65 65.

(Source: Age UK)

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