More than one million elderly people in Britain are skipping meals due to financial hardship, according to new research.
The crisis has deepened as Storm Darragh batters the country, with over seven million pensioners now reducing their heating usage or cutting down on hours they keep their homes warm.
The figures, released by Age UK, come amid growing controversy over recent cuts to winter fuel payments.
Research shows the situation is particularly dire for vulnerable groups, with an estimated 620,000 pensioners suffering from long-term health conditions now missing meals.
The crisis has been compounded by severe delays in the benefits system, with some eligible pensioners facing waits of up to 12 weeks for vital support payments.
Age UK’s study reveals that four in nine pensioners – approximately 5.5 million people – are worried about being unable to heat their homes sufficiently this winter.
Protests have been held in recent months over fears of the impact the decision will have
PA
Two-thirds of those aged over 66 with long-term health conditions are among those cutting back on heating.
The research also found similar numbers of elderly people reducing their consumption of hot meals.
More than 900,000 pensioners with chronic health conditions expressed concerns about falling into debt.
Age UK has collected testimony from nearly 30,000 pensioners highlighting their struggles.
“We cannot afford to heat the bungalow, which is uninsulated and has damaged double glazing,” one pensioner reported. “We are just above the limit for any help.”
Another shared: “I have ischaemic heart disease and need to keep warm but am too worried about the cost to put my heating on. I keep warm by wrapping up in blankets or going to bed.”
The financial pressure on pensioners has intensified following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s announcement in July of significant cuts to winter fuel payments.
The controversial decision, designed to save £1.4billion and address public spending shortfalls, has dramatically altered the support system.
Under the new rules, winter fuel payments are now restricted to those who qualify for pension credit.
The changes have triggered a surge in pension credit applications, with official figures showing approximately 150,000 claims in the 16 weeks since the July announcement.
This represents a 145 per cent increase compared to the previous 16-week period.
A government spokesman defended its position, stating: “We are committed to supporting pensioners, with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock.”
The spokesman highlighted that over a million pensioners will continue receiving winter fuel payments.
They also pointed to additional support measures, including the £150 warm home discount and cold weather payments.
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