Prices for pensioners still soaring

27/05/2009

In response to new RPI  figures releases today by the Office for National Statistics which show a rise of inflation of 6.8 per cent for single pensioners, 5.2 per cent for pensioner couples but a fall of 1.2 per cent for consumers generally, Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age Concern and Help the Aged says:  “The recession is forcing prices down for many consumers, particularly those with mortgage payments, but older people are not seeing these benefits.

 

“Last year pensioners suffered from historic hikes in their basic costs, with the price of water, food and fuel all ballooning. This year, although the pace has slowed, the cost of living for pensioners is still increasing dramatically faster than for consumers generally.

 

“The Government needs to acknowledge that the general RPI figure is not a fair reflection on the cost increases older people are facing. 

Ministers must make sure they take this inflation difference into account when they look to improve the state pension and pension credit.”