Number of pensioners in poverty could soar by 20,000 by 2031, charity warns

The number of pensioners living in poverty in Scotland could soar by 20,000 by the end of the next Scottish Parliament, data analysis by a charity has shown.

Independent Age said the number of older people in poverty could reach 180,000 by 2031 if targeted action is not taken.

The current rate of 160,000 accounts for around one in every seven pensioners in the country.

Ahead of the Holyrood elections in May, it has called on all political parties to commit to reducing pensioner poverty.

Independent Age is also calling for the creation of a pensioner poverty strategy and action to reduce energy bills.

The calls are part of its manifesto, launched on Thursday, which urges parties to commit to appointing a commissioner for older people, “delivering a decent and dignified social security system” and guaranteeing the right to a secure and affordable home.

The charity said its research found 63% of pensioners feel unrepresented by the Scottish Government.

It said one in three older households is currently in fuel poverty.

According to the research, older renters make up nearly half (45%) of the older people in poverty and almost one in four who rent privately say housing costs are becoming unaffordable.

More than three in ten older carers (36%) have skipped meals because of financial difficulties, it added.

Debbie Horne, Scotland policy and public affairs manager at Independent Age, said: “In a wealthy and compassionate society, no older person should have to live in poverty.

“However, currently 160,000 pensioners are in poverty and our ageing population means that by the end of the next Scottish parliamentary term an additional 20,000 older people across the nation could be plunged into poverty.

“We need urgent action. The older people in Scotland that we speak to tell us they don’t have enough to live on.

“This means they are eating less, not turning the heating on when they need to, and are worried about housing costs. They also feel ignored and unheard.”

Ms Horne said all of Scotland’s political parties could show their commitment to supporting older people in poverty by backing the charity’s manifesto.

She added: “Pensioner poverty is at the highest point in nearly 20 years in Scotland, and rising. This cannot be allowed to continue.

“We call on all political parties in the next Scottish Parliament to take the necessary steps to reduce pensioner poverty as a matter of urgency.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.