9 September 2008
Many UK pensioners are suffering similar deprivation to that experience during the Second World War as they are forced to ration their energy use, it has been claimed. According to the Royal British Legion, thousands of older people, many of whom are war veterans, face a daily struggle to make ends meet as gas and electricity prices continue to rise. The charity has launched a new campaign alongside Age Concern to lobby the government to take action on pensioner fuel poverty. Chris Simpkins, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said: "We all thought rationing was history. But we were wrong. Even the Chancellor says we're facing the worst economic climate in 60 years and this has a crushing impact on older people." He said the campaign calls on the government to make it easier for pensioners to access the benefits and financial support to which they are entitled. Last month, Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older households to claim their increased winter fuel allowance as early as possible.