MANY people's thoughts are already turning to Christmas and the New Year. For those on low incomes, like older people, it may be a struggle to balance essential spending with extra expenses like gifts and special family meals.
We at Age Concern will continue to campaign for a basic state pension of at least £90 a week because we believe avoiding poverty should mean that older people are able to enjoy festivities without worrying about how they will pay for a heating or water bill.
In the meantime, we are again encouraging older people to maximise their incomes by checking they are getting all benefits to which they are entitled. Any older person or their relative can call freephone (0800) 009966 to request our free factsheet A Brief Guide To Money Benefits.
We would also be interested to hear from older people on a low income about how they budget for, and celebrate, Christmas. Please write to me at Public Affairs Department, Age Concern England, 1268 London Road, London SW16 4ER.
RHIAN BEYNON,
Public Affairs,
Age Concern England.
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