Fears grow for Wiltshire elderly after energy price rockets

With average energy bills rising by almost £700 a year, the fear is that many elderly people on pensions and low incomes will endanger themselves by choosing food over fuel.

The Wiltshire Community Foundation has already warned of the thousands who cannot afford to keep themselves warm.

“We were shocked that 30,000 people in Wiltshire live in fuel poverty, meaning that they can’t afford to heat their homes and still pay for food,” said the foundation.

“On average, 300 people in Wiltshire and Swindon die of cold-related illness each year because they are unable to keep their homes warm.”

Age UK, which comments on behalf of Age Wiltshire, said the cold is dangerous for older people, as it is harder for them to regulate and maintain body temperatures.

“Low temperatures can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in an older person, exacerbate lung conditions and worsen arthritis. Living in a cold home can also undermine an older person’s mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression and loneliness,” said the charity.

It added: "Tough and stoical though they typically are, many older people will be badly shaken by the news they are hearing. There's no doubt it will lead to many more turning their heating down or off altogether.

“Many older people are already putting their health at risk by rationing their food and heating to keep their bills down. In recent months, the charity has heard from thousands of older people who are already feeling the pinch and rationing their energy use as well as other essentials, including food.

“For example, older people who are too worried to use their oven and are living on soup and sandwiches instead; showering only every two days rather than daily; and constantly watching their smart meter and turning their heating off once their daily spending exceeds the meagre limit they have set.”

“The astronomical hike in energy prices has already forced many deeply anxious older people on low incomes to turn their heating down below what is comfortable or advisable, with some switching it off altogether for some or all of the day and night.

“Make no mistake, this situation will have a devastating impact on the health of our older population unless the Government intervenes quickly and takes their fears away.

"The Government must intervene swiftly and decisively to protect older people from their own stoicism and self-sacrifice. Every day that the Government sits on its hands, it increases the risks to older people’s health from living in a cold home.”

Wiltshire Council Leader Richard Clewer - waiting to help

Chancellor Rishi Sunak says there are plans to soften the blow of the price cap rise via council tax rebates and help with bills. He says this will provide the majority of families with a total of £350 to help them adjust to higher prices.

It will mean a £200 discount on energy bills for households from October, which will be paid back over next five years at £40 per year starting in April 2023. But analysts suggest bills could rise again in that month.

The chancellor also said that households in council tax bands A to D will get a £150 discount from April.

Following the announcement from the Chancellor that certain households will be entitled to a £150 council tax rebate, Wiltshire Council said it will confirm with residents how this process will be managed locally as soon as Government guidance is available. 

Cllr Richard Clewer, Wiltshire Council Leader and Interim Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We welcome the Government's announcement of more support for families at a difficult time when the cost of living is rising, as we know it will be a concerning time for many people.

“However, we found out about this announcement at the same time as everyone else, so we await further guidance and clarification and when we have that we’ll then be in a position to manage the process and ensure this financial support gets to the right people."