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27/07/2009
Concerns Over 'Pensioner Poverty'
The Government has insisted that it is fully behind the welfare of retired people.
In the face of a new report that said around one third of the UK's retired people are living in poverty, an official statement has described as "nonsense" any suggestion that the Government is "not committed to pensioners".
The war of words comes after a call for 'urgent action' on foot of the report's findings that many British over-65s are living in poverty.
The European Commission statistics, published by Eurostat, place the UK's elderly among the worst in Europe, with 30% living on incomes far below the national average.
In fact, this is the fourth highest level in Europe, with the charities Age Concern and Help the Aged calling for ministers to act through measures such as reforming the benefits and pension system.
The figures come ahead of the Work and Pension Committee's review of Government efforts to tackle pensioner poverty, which is published on Thursday.
The EU research, which compared relative poverty in the 27 member states, showed nearly one in three UK over-65s were at risk of poverty in 2007, the same proportion as in Lithuania (30%).
It revealed that in most leading European economies, pensioner poverty levels were either below or slightly above the EU average of 19%.
Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: "What this report clearly shows is that, even before the recession set in, many older people weren't keeping up with the pace at which the general wealth of the nation has increased over the past years. This means they risk being increasingly excluded from community life."
However, in response, a Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "It's absolute nonsense to suggest this Government is not committed to pensioners.
"Measures such as pension credit and winter fuel payments mean that even the poorest pensioners in the UK are still better off than the poorest pensioners in other countries. Even the poorest pensioners in the UK are better off than the poorest pensioners in France or Germany."
(BMcC/JM)
In the face of a new report that said around one third of the UK's retired people are living in poverty, an official statement has described as "nonsense" any suggestion that the Government is "not committed to pensioners".
The war of words comes after a call for 'urgent action' on foot of the report's findings that many British over-65s are living in poverty.
The European Commission statistics, published by Eurostat, place the UK's elderly among the worst in Europe, with 30% living on incomes far below the national average.
In fact, this is the fourth highest level in Europe, with the charities Age Concern and Help the Aged calling for ministers to act through measures such as reforming the benefits and pension system.
The figures come ahead of the Work and Pension Committee's review of Government efforts to tackle pensioner poverty, which is published on Thursday.
The EU research, which compared relative poverty in the 27 member states, showed nearly one in three UK over-65s were at risk of poverty in 2007, the same proportion as in Lithuania (30%).
It revealed that in most leading European economies, pensioner poverty levels were either below or slightly above the EU average of 19%.
Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said: "What this report clearly shows is that, even before the recession set in, many older people weren't keeping up with the pace at which the general wealth of the nation has increased over the past years. This means they risk being increasingly excluded from community life."
However, in response, a Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "It's absolute nonsense to suggest this Government is not committed to pensioners.
"Measures such as pension credit and winter fuel payments mean that even the poorest pensioners in the UK are still better off than the poorest pensioners in other countries. Even the poorest pensioners in the UK are better off than the poorest pensioners in France or Germany."
(BMcC/JM)
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03 February 2005
Mandela addresses anti-poverty rally in London
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Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has told the crowds at an anti-poverty rally in London that the fight against poverty was as important as the fight against slavery.
30 March 2004
Government hails progress on child poverty targets
Up to 700,000 children have been lifted out of relative income poverty since Labour came to power, according to government statistics released today. The Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2002/03 figures also revealed that 200,000 more children had escaped income poverty in the past year.
Government hails progress on child poverty targets
Up to 700,000 children have been lifted out of relative income poverty since Labour came to power, according to government statistics released today. The Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 2002/03 figures also revealed that 200,000 more children had escaped income poverty in the past year.
22 April 2013
Tax Advantages For Elderly 'Should Be Reviewed'
“Policies that appear to give special advantages to older people as a category should be reviewed," a think tank has said. The report, produced by the Fabian Society as part of a series for the Hanover housing charity, argues that older people who are better off, should "share the pain of deficit reduction".
Tax Advantages For Elderly 'Should Be Reviewed'
“Policies that appear to give special advantages to older people as a category should be reviewed," a think tank has said. The report, produced by the Fabian Society as part of a series for the Hanover housing charity, argues that older people who are better off, should "share the pain of deficit reduction".
30 March 2005
Government figures reveal drop in poverty figures
Fewer pensioners and children are living in poverty, new government figures have revealed. A report by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed that absolute pensioner poverty has dropped from 2.8 million in 1997 to 900,000 today, a drop of two-thirds.
Government figures reveal drop in poverty figures
Fewer pensioners and children are living in poverty, new government figures have revealed. A report by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed that absolute pensioner poverty has dropped from 2.8 million in 1997 to 900,000 today, a drop of two-thirds.
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