Charity's call for winter heating costs help

Almost half of people over the age of 60 are worried about heating their home this winter because of the soaring cost of energy, a charity has found.

Age UK has called for urgent Government action to help older people stay warm after a survey found 45% – around seven million people – were worried about staying warm over the winter.

It wants the Government to provide an "expedited" extra one-off payment of £50 for those already eligible for the Cold Weather Payment to help with bills.

The charity has also called for the existing Household Support Fund to be doubled to provide £1billion to help vulnerable households heat their homes.

Its poll of 2,000 people earlier this month found that 33% of over-60s are worried about paying their energy bills this winter and 32% are worried about having to reduce energy use due to financial concerns.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "As temperatures plummet this winter, millions of vulnerable older people are feeling trapped at home, too scared to go out for fear of catching Covid.

"They are also too scared to turn the heating on for fear of racking up a bill they can't afford.

"We cannot let a situation continue where people are so worried about rising bills that they either put their health at risk by not keeping their homes warm enough or feel forced to cut back on meals to make ends meet.”

Ms Abrahams added: "If the Government does not provide urgent financial support to change this, it could mean a tragedy for many older people.”