PENSIONERS IN BATTLE TO KEEP HOMES WARM

MANY older people will struggle to heat their homes without help with the cost of living, Rachel Reeves has been warned.

- BY KATIE HARRIS

Frozen income tax thresholds expected in tomorrow's Budget will lead to frozen homes as those already struggling with soaring energy costs are hammered with higher tax bills.

Dennis Reed of the Silver Voices campaign group said: "Many will not cope this winter if further tax burdens are placed on them in the Budget. The frozen and means-tested winter fuel payment does not compensate for the large hikes in energy prices over the last two years.

"It's not right in the 21st century that hundreds of thousands of pensioners just above the benefits eligibility level have to keep their central heating off and huddle in outdoor clothing in their own homes." Research has found around four in five older people are concerned about energy bills, and more than half about the price of essentials.

Retirees are bracing for a 20% jump in their outgoings this winter, according to the 3 Gem survey of 1,500 retirees for Blue Light Card, a discount service for frontline sectors.