Text is written across and inside a love heart-style sweet. It reads: 60,000 mixed-age couples are losing up to £7,000 a year.
We want the UK Govt to reverse the unfair 2019 mixed-age couples policy.
Nobody should miss out on support they're entitled to because of who they love. This rule is pushing older people into hardship.
Help us #FixMixedAgeRule: www.independentage.org/about-us/campaigning/mix...
Last week, we launched Out of the cold, our new report on making Minimum Energy Standards work for older private renters.
In this article @joanna-elson.bsky.social discusses how current plans could be improved.
www.insidehousing.co.uk/comment/make-mees-work-f...
Millions cutting back on water as bills rise, putting hygiene and health at risk
www.watermagazine.co.uk/2026/03/05/m...
#WaterUsage #WaterConsumption #WaterBills #WaterCost #WaterUse @independentage.bsky.social
Across England and Wales, too many older people are struggling to afford their water bills.
We're supporting the @independentage.bsky.social call for a national social tariff for water in England and Wales to fix this unfair system.
Sign the petition: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...
Too many people on low incomes continue to face a postcode lottery when it comes to getting help with their water bills, forcing them into potential water cutbacks.
We're calling for a national social tariff for water in England and Wales to fix this unfair system.
Sign the petition ⬇️
Continuing our blog series ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, we’re explaining what can be done to make the social security system work better for older people in Scotland.
Read the blog: medium.com/independent-...
Sign our pledge: campaigns.independentage.org/page/185103/...
With the Scottish election on the way, we’ve made guides to help you ask parties how they’ll support the 160,000 older people in poverty in Scotland.
Download our door hanger and hustings guide via the link
www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/mani...
The number of older people living in water poverty could rise from 750,000 to almost a million by 2029/30.
We need a national water social tariff to protect people on low incomes from soaring utility bills.
Read more about our campaign in @bigissue.com
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Too many older private renters are stuck in cold, energy‑inefficient homes.
Read our latest blog for a breakdown of our new report and the policy changes we’re pushing for to protect older renters.
medium.com/independent-age/older-re...
A quote from Susan, an older woman reads: At the beginning of my working life, my pay was far less than that of a man doing the same job and, even if I had been paid the same, I wouldn't have been accepted for a pension scheme anyway.
#IWD2026: Inequalities combined with lower earnings and caring duties have pushed many women into financial hardship in later life.
The Pensions Commission must consider older people's diverse needs, including women.
www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/expe...
This week, we released a report based on research with older renters and professionals in the energy advice advice sector looking at the UK Govt’s Warm Homes Plan.
Find out more in this opinion piece 👇
labourlist.org/2026/03/energy-efficienc...
Statistic about water poverty with a illustration of a glass of water. Text reads: Almost half of older people in England and Wales living on a low income are cutting back on their water usage.
The UK Government has announced reforms to WaterSure to support more people. While a step in the right direction, a national social tariff is needed to tackle water poverty. Our statement: www.independentage.org/news-media/press-release...
In our latest blog ahead of the Scottish Parliament election, we’re exploring our calls for an Older People’s Commissioner in Scotland.
Read here: medium.com/independent-...
Sign our pledge calling for action on poverty in later life in Scotland: campaigns.independentage.org/page/185103/...
Text reads: People over 65 in England and Wales are cutting back to manage the cost of their water bill, with 3 in 10 flushing the toilet less. 1 in 4 spending less time in the shower. 1 in 6 showering less often.
The UK Government has already missed too many opportunities to act on water poverty.
Help us keep the pressure up and show them that this issue isn’t going away. Together we can make this change happen.
campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...
Text reads: Of those currently cutting back on their water usage, nearly 3 in 10 people (28%) over 65 in England and Wales have cut their water usage to such an extent that it is affecting their overall health and personal hygiene.
Our research shows that a national social tariff would lift hundreds of thousands of households out of water poverty and create a fair, consistent system for everyone who needs support.
It’s time to fix this system:
campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...
Statistic showing the extent of water poverty amongst over 65 year olds. Text reads: 1 in 5 (21%) people over 65 in England and Wales has cut back their spending on water. This increases to 2 in 5 when looking at people over 65 on incomes of less than £15,000 a year.
Across England and Wales, too many older people are struggling to afford their water bills.
We're calling for a national social tariff for water in England and Wales to fix this unfair system.
Sign our petition:
campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...
Quote from an older renter Anna aged 71. Text reads: “I would be grateful for any modernisation to save on my energy costs but cannot afford any further rent increase.”
As long as older renters see their options as living in poor conditions or risk soaring rent/bills, there will be resistance to upgrades.
Grants guaranteeing protections along with support for renters if there are problems will offer vital reassurance.
www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...
Line of 4 stick figures with one shaded in blue. Text beneath reads: Just 1 in 4 older private tenants in England know the EPC rating of their home.
Guidance is vital to ensure older tenants understand their rights and what can be expected of landlords. We also recommend clear, accessible information and support options to ease concerns, boost understanding and raise awareness.
www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...
Quote from an older tenant: “It’s a massive upheaval. How am I going to live with a gaping hole, the workmen are coming back tomorrow, they haven’t finished today?” Steve, 70, Leeds.
For MEES to be a success, older renters must be at the heart of the process. Works must be phased appropriately around tenants' needs with upgrade grants to cover essential support costs and an aftercare process that meaningfully supports renters.
www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...
Quote from a local charity called Care and repair Cymru that receives grant funding from Independent Age. The quote reads: Landlords should know how cold properties actually affect their tenants, especially tenants who might have health conditions. So what it actually means to live in a cold property.
Rental property upgrades need to take both energy efficiency and wider housing quality into account. The Decent Homes Standard and MEES must be connected at all stages to avoid inefficiency that can stall or prevent home improvements altogether.
www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...
Quote from older renter with a paint brush graphic: Text reads: “We don’t have a choice. We don’t have an input. It’s not as if they come and consult.” Sue, Cheshire
Older renters too often feel powerless over what happens to their home, leading to anxiety and stress. Barriers such as poor health and digital exclusion must be considered when communicating planned works to older tenants.
www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...
Text reads: Around half of the privately rented homes in England and Wales will need improving to meet new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. Graphic below indicates 49% of privately rented homes in England and 59% in Wales will need improving to meet new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.
Older private renters are often living in the oldest, coldest homes, trapped in fuel poverty. So, raising the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards could be transformative. Our report explores how to apply MEES in England and Wales without causing hardship 👇
www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...
Quote from an older person with a graphic showing an empty coin purse. Text reads: Every bill is a struggle to pay. Ivor,72.
Millions of people are experiencing financial hardship in later life across the UK. Together we can change that.
Join us as a campaigner and help push for lasting, positive change for older people today and in the future:https://www.independentage.org/campaign-with-us
Text reads: Sign up for our newsletter for professionals and you'll receive: Resources, tips and news about free training opportunities. Links to free guides and digital resources. Updates on news affecting older people. Information about our Helpline and Good to Know groups.
Did you know we train professionals to help them better support the older people in their communities?
Whether you're receiving our regular newsletter or attending our sessions, we'll help you gain confidence and skills. Find out more today:
https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/professionals
Text reads: 1 in 5 older people on a low income in Great Britain would find it impossible to cover an unexpected bill of £50 without borrowing money.
Some older people are unable to repair broken appliances leaving them in cold homes with leaks and draughts. This takes a serious financial and mental toll.
We need comprehensive financial support for people on a low income.
www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/surv...
Text reads: In 2025 our Advice and Support Services team answered more than 20,000 calls, emails and webchats.
Monday marked #HelplineAwarenessDay ☎️
In 2025, we identified more than £6.5 million in support that wasn't reaching eligible older people.
We are making a difference. Help us continue to be there for the older people who need us by supporting our work: https://www.independentage.org/support-us
A quote from a woman called Alison from Bristol. Quote reads: "It's been a permanent case of worry about the rent every month and wondering how to cover it." Below the text, there is an illustration of a leaking bucket.
15,690 older households were at risk of homelessness last year. This number has gone up 79% in the last 5 years as soaring rents increasingly outstrip Housing Benefit rates.
The UK Government must fix this unsustainable situation to protect older renters.
www.independentage.org/news-media/p...
Text reads: Security not struggle, a manifesto to reduce pensioner poverty: 1. Implement a national Pensioner Poverty Strategy. 2. Appoint a Commissioner for Older People. 3. Deliver a decent and dignified social security system. 4. Reduce energy bills. 5. Guarantee the right to a secure and affordable home.
With almost 160,000 pensioners currently living in poverty in Scotland, it’s time for action.
Sign our pledge calling for action on poverty in later life in Scotland: campaigns.independentage.org/page/185103/...
We're starting a series of blogs exploring Independent Age’s manifesto calls ahead of the Scottish Parliament election. This week we're looking at how a pensioner poverty strategy could make a difference.
Read our blog: medium.com/independent-...
Text reads: "An energy social tariff would lift 360,000 older households out of fuel poverty." Below the text is an icon of a thermometer with a snowflake.
Today’s announcement of an almost 7% drop in the typical household energy bill will provide some relief to older people in financial hardship.
But more is needed if the UK Government is to meaningfully address fuel poverty.
www.independentage.org/news-media/p...
