A senior figure in the Independent Age charity is warning that older renters face an increased risk of living in poverty.

Director of Policy and Influencing Morgan Vine says new government ‘Household Below Average Income’ figures show there has been an increase of 200,000 pensioners living in poverty, in just one year.

He comments: “We want to see Local Housing Allowance uprated, to ensure older private renters are not forced into dangerous sacrifices simply to keep a roof over their head.”

Vine adds: “[The] new figures released today are extremely concerning as they show that the number of pensioners living in poverty in the UK increased by 200,000 in just one year. 

“We now know that 1.7m older people are in poverty, with 1m more sitting just above the poverty line. That’s far too many people in later life facing financial hardship, and the situation is only getting worse.

“If the UK Government is serious about tackling the high cost of living and lifting people out of poverty, it needs to introduce policies that protect older people on low incomes. 

“Despite some positive interventions, more action is needed.

“High energy costs are a concerning driver of pensioner poverty, and we are living in an increasingly volatile world. 

“In the short-term, we believe the Warm Home Discount should be increased to £400 to better reflect the rising cost of energy.

“And the delivery of a comprehensive entitlement take-up strategy which can overcome the barriers that prevent people in later life from accessing the vital financial support they are entitled to. With the political will, a future without pensioner poverty is possible.”