Pensioners see energy bills rise despite cutting back on use

01/09/2009

Older households in the UK have seen their average fuel bill rise substantially in recent years, despite a fall in overall consumption, according to a new study.

The Institute of Fiscal Studies report, which was backed by Age Concern and Help the Aged, found that energy use among the over-50s fell by around ten per cent between 2004-05 and 2006-07.

Yet over the same period, average spending on fuel bills increased by up to 22 per cent for this age group.

Jonathan Stearn of campaign group Consumer Focus said it was "shameful" that energy suppliers are increasing their charges to older households, despite many "having to turn down their heating to cut costs".

"We need a radical energy efficiency scheme from the government to protect the poorest pensioners, families and disabled people from fuel poverty," he commented.

Consumer Focus has said that reducing gas prices by ten per cent and electricity costs by 3.5 per cent would immediately knock £2.2 billion off annual fuel bills.

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Retirement Money Problems,

• Share
• 
• 
• Store
• 
• Follow
•