Older People - and Fuel Poverty

Older People

Our population is steadily getting older and will increasingly be supported by a smaller working age population. It is therefore important that we put the mechanisms in place now to ensure that older people can live financially secure, happier and healthier lives.

Older People & Fuel Poverty

Given the current economic climate, many people are feeling the bite of rising utility bills. However, often it is the most vulnerable individuals who are least able to cope. For older people, this is not only a matter of trying to make their pension stretch that little bit further. Many simply do not have the technical know-how to take steps to reduce their bills or the confidence necessary to ensure they are getting the best deal from their suppliers.

Tackling fuel poverty among pensioners, together with low income families and other vulnerable groups, is therefore a particular focus for me.

Fuel poverty is defined as those individuals and households who spend 10% or more of their income on fuel bills. The Government have already taken some excellent steps to address this through the Winter Fuel Payment and the 'Warm Front' Scheme - but more needs to be done to reach out to those who currently receive no help.

I am working for older people in the following ways:

By drawing on my experience before I entered Parliament as Deputy Director of Age Concern Scotland and Chair of the South West Regional Gas Consumers Council.
As Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Older People and Ageing.
By supporting Plymouth's large veteran community - I was a Patron of Plymouth's Veterans' Weekend and, as a member of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee, pay close attention to welfare and medical issues concerning former service personnel.
As a member of the All Party Group on Digital TV Switchover - ensuring older people don't get left behind by this technological change.

Speeches and Resources

You can download copies of my Older People Matter newsletter here:

Support Services for Older People (with thanks to Christine Russell MP)

Pension Credit	The Pension Credit is an entitlement to ensure that everyone aged 60 or over receives an income of at least £124.05 per week if you are single, or £189.00 per week for couples. It also makes certain that pensioners over 65 with small second pensions or modest savings will be rewarded. This could be as much as £19.50 if you are single or £25.26 for couples. To check whether you are eligible for Pension Credit please call freephone 0800 991234. 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday.
Council Tax	Council tax benefit helps pay toward or covers your council tax bill whether you rent or own your own home or live rent free. If you claim Pension Credit or Income Support, you should get a form to claim Council Tax Benefit with your application. But you don't have to be receiving Pension Credit to be eligible.
Discount Driving Licences	If you are aged 70 or over, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has abolished the fee for a three year driving licence and you can renew your licence for a free. The DVLA will send you a renewal form when your old licence is about to expire. For more information call the DVLA on 0870 240 0009. The line is open from 8am to 8.30pm, Monday to Friday and until 5.30pm on Saturdays.
Free Passports	Every British citizen born on or before September 2nd 1929 will no longer have to pay for a UK passport. This is to honour those who served to secure our nation's liberty and democracy. For more information call the Passport Advice Line on 0870 521 0410.
Free TV Licences	After the age of 75 you will no longer have to pay for your TV Licence. for more information please call the TV licensing information helpline on 0870 241 6468. Lines are open from 8.30 am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
War Disablement Pension	You may qualify if you have been injured or disabled during a time of war, or as a result of your service in the Armed Forces. to find more call the Service Personnel & Veterans Agency on 0800 169 2277.
Carer's Allowance	You have the right to a Carer's Assessment if you are providing regular and substantial care for someone for whom social services provide or could provide services. You are also entitled to Carer's Allowance if you look after a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week. From 28th October 2002 the rules changed to enable people over 65 to claim for the first time. For more information and to apply visit this website.
Help with Health Costs	If you are 60 or over you can get free NHS prescriptions and eye tests. If you're getting Pension Credit, or are on a low income, you may get free NHS dental treatment and vouchers toward the cost of your glasses or contact lenses. for more information ask your GP or Pharmacist for a copy of leaflet HC11 "Are you entitled to help with health costs?"
Warm Front	Eaga Warm Front is a government-funded scheme that gives grants to older people for central heating and insulation to be installed in their homes to save money on energy bills and cut carbon emissions. To be eligible, you need to own your own home or rent from a private landlord and receive an income or disability related benefit. Ring the Warm Front Team on 0800 316 6014 to apply for a grant. You can see how many people in Plymouth Sutton have benfitted from scheme here - Warm Front Report
Winter Fuel Payments	The Winter Fuel Payment in an annual payment to help older people pay their heating bills. The Winter Fuel Payment is worth £250 for pensioner households over 60 and £400 for those over 80 years of age. Most people receive their payments automatically in time for Christmas but some people may have to claim. If you need to make a claim for a payment for winter 2008/09, you should return your claim form on or before 30 March 2009. To apply for the Winter Fuel Payment please call 08459 151515.