Independent Age in the News

With the release of our new report - No place for older renters | Independent Age – Independent Age received coverage in The Times and several regional outlets, along with broadcast coverage in Times Radio and BBC Radio Wiltshire. The report suggests that high rental prices are forcing older tenants to uproot and move to deprived communities with already overstretched public services. The report also states that older private renters are almost three times more likely to be in poverty than those who own their home mortgage-free. Read the story here.

This article focusses on benefits that are often unclaimed by older people, with interviews with two people who have been helped by Independent Age's Helpline. The major unclaimed benefits are Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. Independent Age also provided statistics for the piece, such as 2.1 million older people are living in poverty in the UK, and are linked to throughout. Read the full article here.

Independent Age case study and service user Michael told his story to iNews. He had been living most of his adult life on the brink of homelessness. A roofer from Essex, he once found shelter in his friend’s garage; another time he made his car into a temporary home. The piece includes a quote from Chit Selvarajah, Policy Manager, in which he explains that retirees who rent are 3 times more likely than homeowners to be living in poverty.

Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, wrote an op-ed for Inside Housing discussing renting and homelessness amongst older people. She argues that not only is homelessness an ever-present fear for many older people, it is also a threat that keeps many in unsafe rental properties. Read the full article here.

The Scottish Daily Express ran an exclusive on Independent Age's calls for the Scottish government to "urgently" take action to tackle financial hardship in later life ahead of the Scottish budget. The article discusses our calls on the Scottish government to introduce a pensioner poverty strategy, to increase the amount of financial support available for those on a low income with housing and general costs, and introduce an Older People’s Commissioner to represent the voices of those in later life, including people living on a low income in later life. Joanna Elson CBE also gave a statement in which she said: “The Scottish Government must use next week's Budget to prevent the worrying wave of poverty in later life from rising further.” The piece appeared both in print and online.

Independent Age revealed survey findings that show older people who had to use savings last winter to pay for essentials have been left in a precarious situation this year. Ahead of another tough winter, we're using the findings to promote our helpline and Christmas appeal. Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE did a pre recorded interview with Sky News radio which has been used by over 15 stations. BBC Radio Scotland also spoke to Joanna and we've had print and online coverage in the Express. Read the Express story here. You can also read the full press release here: Winter struggles: older people forced to use savings to survive last winter left without a ‘safety net’ this year | Independent Age

Ahead of the Autumn Statement, media volunteer Yvonne spoke to iNews about the financial struggles she faces and argues that inheritance tax cuts are doing nothing to address poverty in later life. She also spoke about her volunteering efforts with Independent Age to raise awareness of Pension Credit. Read the full article here.

iNews spoke to media volunteer Thabani about her story and the importance of the triple lock to pensioners on a low income. She calls for the government to protect the triple lock in the upcoming Autumn Statement. She also discusses her current struggles with the cost of living that have forced her to move home. Read the full article here.