Older Scots 'skipping meals and turning down heating' due to rising costs

EXCLUSIVE: Food Train said pensioners were at risk of "falling dangerously ill" if they took the decision to eat less in a desperate attempt to save money on bills.

Older Scots are skipping meals and turning down the heating in their homes due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, a charity has warned.

Food Train said pensioners were at risk of "falling dangerously ill" if they took the decision to eat less in a desperate attempt to save money on bills.

The charity, which offers practical help to eat well, said that four-in-10 of over-65s it had questioned said concerns about the cost of living had forced them to change how they heat their homes.

And half of respondents said they had changed the way they eat due to increasing costs, bringing with it a warning about malnutrition rising among the over-65s.

Findings from research among 449 members of the charity emerged as average household energy bills are set to rise by 10 per cent this winter.

It comes as the UK Government continues to face a backlash for making the Winter Fuel Payment means-tested - a decision the Scottish Government has replicated north of the Border.

Jen Grant, a dietitian with Food Train, said: “There’s no doubt our members are once again worried about the winter ahead. The heartbreaking fact is that some will unfortunately face difficult decisions as to whether they keep warm or properly fed.”

“One of the biggest concerns is that the spending cuts they are making now, come on top of them having already cut back in recent winters - meaning problems could be deeper than they appear.”

Food Train works with more than 3,000 older people across Scotland by helping them to eat well and live well in their own homes - mainly through its home shopping delivery services.

Grant added: "We cannot afford to lose sight of the fact that people are in danger of falling seriously ill if they do not eat properly.

"Malnourishment among older people and the health problems this causes only piles further strain on our already under-pressure NHS and social care services.

"We are working with organisations and agencies of all kinds up and down the country to try and reduce the risks of it happening."

Wendy Chamberlain, Scottish Lib Dems deputy leader, said: "Far too many pensioners are deeply worried about how they will get by this winter with the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment. They were already facing another winter of a cost-of-living crisis and this will make things worse.

"The damage left by the Conservatives to our economy is unforgivable but cutting payments to vulnerable pensioners is no way to bring about the change the country deserves."

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Social Justice Secretary, said: "No one should have to compromise on food or other essentials and we are committed to supporting older people and tackling poverty.

“Unlike the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment, our new Winter Heating Payment guarantees a reliable annual payment of £58.75 to people on low incomes in Scotland, including pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit and other relevant benefits each winter.

"The Scottish Government is investing £12 million in providing free welfare and debt advice services including support for the Citizens Advice Scotland Money Talk Team Service, which last year supported over 9,000 older people.

"The Scottish Government will continue to do everything it can to support households with their energy bills and to tackle fuel poverty, however the powers to make a real difference remain with the UK Government.

“We will continue to press the UK Government to listen to the Scottish Parliament, which voted to call on the UK Government to reverse the introduction of means testing for the Winter Fuel Payment.

“We have also urged the UK Government to introduce a social tariff for fuel costs which would provide further protection to energy consumers in the greatest need.”

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A UK Government spokesperson said: "The rise in energy bills is a worry for many families, putting in sharp focus the consequences of being too reliant on international oil and gas markets. That’s why we are pushing ahead with our mission for clean, homegrown power by 2030.

"We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock.

"We will also do everything possible to support vulnerable people this winter – including with the £150 Warm Home Discount, expected to support three million eligible households in Britain."

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