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Age UK responds to Ofgem's price cap announcement

By: Age UK
Published on 25 May 2023 08:00 AM

In response to Ofgem’s price cap announcement this morning, Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: "It's a relief to hear that prices are coming down from their unprecedented high, but the fact is this crisis is not over, certainly for anyone on a low income for whom, we fear, there's another difficult autumn and winter to come. In our experience, older people are incredibly skilful at making every penny count, but after this prolonged period of inflation, and the need for many with savings to have to draw on them simply to stay afloat, there's no end to the nightmare yet in sight.

"Surely the lesson is that we need a lasting solution for the energy price fluctuations that have wrecked so many older people's finances, including hundreds of thousands who never dreamed that they would struggle for money once they retired. At Age UK we are increasingly convinced that the answer is a Government funded social tariff for energy. This would discount energy bills by as much as half for people of all ages who are struggling the most, giving them the reassurance to keep the heating on when it's cold, rather than trying to get through without it. In our view this shouldn't be too much to ask in the 21st century." 

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Last updated: Jul 18 2024

Notes to editors:

Age UK is a national charity that works with a network of partners, including Age Scotland, Age Cymru, Age NI and local Age UKs across England, to help everyone make the most of later life, whatever their circumstances.

In the UK, the Charity helps more than seven million older people each year by providing advice and support.  It also researches and campaigns on the issues that matter most to older people. Its work focuses on ensuring that older people: have enough money; enjoy life and feel well; receive high quality health and care; are comfortable, safe and secure at home; and feel valued and able to participate.

Age UK’s subsidiary charity, Age International, supports older people globally in over 30 developing countries by funding programmes such as vital emergency relief and healthcare and campaigning to raise awareness and change policies.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and registered company number 6825798). Charitable services are provided through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company (CiC) (registered company number 1102972) which donates its net profits to Age UK (the Charity)

 

For more information

Contact the Age UK Media team on 020 3033 1430 during office hours (Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30) or for out-of-hours media support please email media@ageuk.org.uk

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