The Big Issue's cost-of-living reporter wrote an article on Pension Credit featuring media volunteer Yvonne and a quote from our Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE. The advice article links to our website and other organisations that can help older people in financial hardship. Read the full article here.
Mail Online covered our recent research which showed 41 per cent of people aged 50 or over and not fully retired were concerned about economic hardship in their retirement. The overall article concerns an Age UK report on mental health showing issues with sleep amongst older people.
Independent Age's response to budget featured in the Express and Independent live blog, the latter was syndicated in several regional papers. The Express also quoted our statement in their headline in subsequent coverage of the Budget. The Telegraph also used the quote in their coverage.
Independent Age got widespread national coverage following a press release - Widespread money worries for those approaching retirement, new research finds | Independent Age – that cited results from recent polling data showing that 41% of people aged 50 and over who are not yet fully retired are concerned about living in economic hardship after they stop working. The Mirror and iNews story include multiple statistics from Independent Age's polling, a statement from Chief Executive Joana Elson CBE and our policy calls.
Only Fools And Horses actor Sue Holderness appeared in our ‘Helpline’ video, encouraging older people to find out if they are entitled to financial support. The video was inspired by real-life calls our helpline. This story has been syndicated by PA Media, and so has appeared in over 15 outlets so far. Read the full story in The Standard.
The number of new people claiming a Pension Credit dropped by more than 12,000 in the last quarter, the most recent figure reveals. People who claim can also open themselves up to more benefits worth another £8,000. The articles include Independent Age’s full response which describes the figures as "a step in the wrong direction" that is especially surprising given the UK Government ran Pension Credit awareness campaigns in June. The charity is concerned these campaigns aren’t effectively reaching the right people. Read more here.
Widespread coverage of our new report – Homing in: How to improve the lives of older renters in Scotland (independentage.org) – which found that in Scotland 39% of older private tenants are living in poverty, with more than a tenth scared to ask their landlord for repairs. The articles focus on our calls for the Scottish government to introduce greater protection for older renters on low income and they include a statement from our Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE. The story has featured in 18 print and online articles so far. Morgan Vine, Head of Policy and Influencing, also did a radio interview on what older renters on a low income are facing and what they need in the upcoming Housing Bill. Her interview has been used across 30 radio news programmes. Read the article in The National, Scottish Housing News and STV
Independent Age spokesperson Morgan Vine featured in this BBC News article in which she says "pensioners on a low-income are at absolute breaking point". The story covers food bank in Bow that says it has seen a three-fold increase in older people relying on it for help each week. Read the full article here.
