OAPS 'forced to cut back' on food and heat

PENSIONERS in Scotland are being forced to cut back on essentials including heating and eating because of low incomes, a poll has found, as nearly one in five lives on an income of less than £15,000 a year.

- By Craig Meighan

Nearly one in three (29%) of Scots over the age of 66 reports having skipped meals in the last year, according to the Older People's Economic Wellbeing Index.

The survey, conducted by the Diffley Partnership and commissioned by the charity Independent Age, is the first in a series that will document trends among older people over time.

Half of those who took part in the poll said they had cut back on heating or utilities because of financial difficulties, with that number rising to 83% for those earning less than £15,000 a year.

Overall, 19% of older Scots said they lived on an annual household income of less than £15,000.

Just over one in five (21%) thought the state pension was enough to cover basic living expenses.

Struggle

Older Scots on low incomes, with caring responsibilities and dealing with a health condition, were more likely to cut back on heating and food, according to the report.