3 million struggling to keep homes warm

MORE than three million older people in Britain are struggling to keep their homes warm enough, analysis has shown.

- BY KATIE HARRIS Senior Political Correspondent

Campaigners say this is stark evidence that the state pension triple lock must be protected to stop vulnerable pensioners being pushed deeper into fuel poverty.

Polling found 23% of over-65s said they are unable to keep their property at the recommended minimum temperature of 18C (64.4F).

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition, which commissioned the survey, estimates this equates to around 3.2 million older people. Its research also found energy bills are 69% higher than in winter 2020.

Simon Francis, coordinator of the campaign group, said: “It’s shocking that after years of warnings, so many people are still stuck in homes that put their health at risk.