The Reality of Pensioner Poverty: The Crisis Facing Older People in Hythe, Lyminge, and Ashford

New figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) confirm what many older people across Hythe, Lyminge, and Ashford have been telling us for months—life is getting harder. The rising cost of essentials like food, energy, and housing has left many pensioners struggling to make ends meet, with little financial cushion to absorb these pressures.

At Age UK Hythe, Lyminge, and Ashford, we hear daily from older people who feel overwhelmed by rising costs, anxious about their finances, and increasingly isolated because they simply cannot afford to take part in social activities they once enjoyed.

The Stark Reality: One in Six Pensioners in Poverty

The latest poverty statistics paint a bleak picture: 1.9 million pensioners, or one in six, are living in poverty. But these numbers don’t even reflect the full impact of recent changes, such as the loss of the Winter Fuel Payment for many pensioners. This critical support helped millions manage their energy bills, and its removal has only deepened financial insecurity for those on the lowest incomes.

For the poorest pensioners, the impact has been devastating. The loss of the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme and the £150 Council Tax Rebate in 2023/24 outweighed any increases to benefits and the State Pension. In other words, for those in the lowest income bracket, support has not kept pace with rising costs.

Fuel Poverty: The Impossible Choice Between Warmth and Debt

The new fuel poverty statistics reveal an alarming trend: around 9 million households in England—of all ages—are now spending more than 10% of their income on energy after housing costs.

For many pensioners, this has led to an impossible choice:
➡️ Stay warm and risk falling into debt
➡️ Ration heating and risk serious health problems

Age UK research found that three in five older people who have cut back on heating—equivalent to 2.9 million pensioners—would rather turn off the heating than go into debt. This is not just a financial issue; it’s a major health crisis.

Older people are more vulnerable to cold weather, which can increase the risk of:
🩺 Respiratory infections
💙 Heart attacks and strokes
🦠 Worsening of chronic conditions like arthritis

At Age UK Hythe, Lyminge, and Ashford, we have heard heartbreaking stories from local pensioners who have been forced to wear multiple layers indoors, go to bed early to keep warm, or spend the day in public spaces like libraries just to avoid using heating at home.

The Call for Urgent Action

Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK, has issued a stark warning:

“Higher living costs, especially energy bills, have hit every household, but we know that older people living on low or modest fixed incomes have found life especially hard. Looking ahead to next winter and others to come, more support is needed to give older people the confidence to run their heating when it gets cold, especially if they are on low and modest incomes, with a disability, or renting.”

The government’s triple lock—which ensures that pensions rise in line with inflation, wages, or 2.5%, whichever is highest—has provided some relief, but it’s not enough on its own. Additional targeted support is urgently needed, especially for those in:
✔️ Social and private rented housing
✔️ Households with disabilities
✔️ Lower-income brackets

We welcome the Government’s ongoing Pension Review, which is expected to address pension adequacy, but change needs to happen now, not just in the future.

How Age UK Hythe, Lyminge, and Ashford Can Help

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. We are here to help with:
✅ Benefit checks – Make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to
✅ Energy advice – Find ways to reduce your bills and access available grants
✅ Winter support – Help with heating costs and keeping warm at home
✅ Local social activities – Combat loneliness and stay connected with others

Call us today to see how we can support you. Together, we can ensure that no older person in our community has to choose between heating and eating this winter.