Raising the issue of poverty amongst older people with your local council - TAKE ACTION
In May 2025, Age UK London published our On the Edge report.
The report highlights the mounting pressures facing older Londoners, with many struggling financially, facing digital exclusion, navigating the increasing costs of housing and home maintenance, and dealing with the mental health toll of financial insecurity. No one should be forced to work past retirement, live in unsuitable homes, or suffer financial anxiety in isolation.
What's next?
Since we published our report, we have shared the findings with every councillor in London but now we need you. To continue to apply pressure to local councils to do more, we are asking you to write to your local council about what they are doing to address poverty amongst older people.
You can find a draft email below, along with a step-by-step guide on how to take action.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Elodie at epinn@ageuklondon.org.uk.
Step 1: Identify your councillor and gather their contact details
- You can see who your local councillors are by searching ‘Councillors’ in the search bar of your council website and you can usually search with your postcode.
- Alternatively, you can see who your local councillors are, as well as their email addresses, by entering your postcode at www.writetothem.com/
- If you have any questions about finding your councillor, please email Elodie at epinn@ageuklondon.org.uk
Step 2: Draft your email
- Having gathered your local councillor’s details, it’s time to send them an email outlining your concerns and ask them a question.
- You can follow the template below:
Dear Councillor [Surname],
My name is [your name] and I’m a resident in [your ward].
I’m writing to ask that you what work you and the council are doing to address the issue of of older people's poverty in our borough.
Trust for London’s 2025 Poverty Profile showed that 23% of Londoners over the age of 50 were living in poverty after housing costs - 4% higher than the rest of England (18%). Meanwhile, one in four in the 50-54 and 80-84 age category were living below the poverty line.
Age UK London’s research highlighted that many older Londoners are living on the edge of anxiety, in deteriorating housing, and suffering anxiety about choosing between heating their homes and eating. This is a very real issue, affecting people across the borough.
No one should be forced to work past retirement, live in unsuitable homes, or suffer financial anxiety in isolation. Urgent action is needed to ensure financial support from the state reaches those that need them the most. It is crucial that rents are made more affordable, and mental health support is available for older people struggling with financial insecurity.
I am asking you to raise the issue with the council by submitting the following question:
- Does the council have a strategy that addresses the need to reduce poverty experienced by older residents?
Kind regards,
[Your name]
[Your address]
Step 3: Send email and let us know what you hear
We’re keen to provide all the help we can to see your questions acted upon. Please do tell us when you've emailed your councillor by emailing Elodie at epinn@ageuklondon.org.uk, including the name of the councillor contacted.
Your councillor should get back to you, ideally within two weeks, but this can vary. If two weeks go by with no response, forward your email again and wait for a few days.
- On the off chance you receive no response at all, it may be worth sending the same email/attachment to another of your local councillors or raising the matter at an upcoming councillor’s surgery for your ward.
- Your councillor may even suggest meeting to discuss the matter in detail. Age UK London will be on hand to offer any help with this – providing further information and/or attending meetings.