2 December 2005
Almost nine million pensioners will face difficulties in paying their fuel bills this winter, according to a survey conducted for Age Concern.
The research found the predicted 15 per cent increase in fuel bills over the next year could push another million pensioners under the poverty line, adding to the three million who are already cannot afford to pay for adequate heating.
It also discovered that 60 per cent of Britain's 14.5 million pensioners will struggle to pay off their gas and electric bills. 45 per cent of older people said that they have already switched off their heating during the recent cold snap, choosing instead to wear more clothing.
"All older people should be able to heat their homes without being worried about the bills they're likely to face," said Gordon Lishman of Age Concern.
"Many pensioners live on a low, fixed income and are hit particularly hard by hikes in their fuel bills. Energy companies must do everything they can to protect vulnerable groups such as pensioners from price increases."
The average fuel bill is predicted to go up as much as £116 by next year.
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