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.
https://medium.com/independent-age/older-renters-minimum-energy-efficiency-standards-5d70ef0273b0
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.
https://www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/experiences-poverty-later-life
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 👇
https://labourlist.org/2026/03/energy-efficiency-changes-must-work-for-older-private-renters/
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: https://www.independentage.org/news-media/press-releases/watersure-reform-welcome-but-more-needs-to-be-done
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.
https://www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/surviving-not-living
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...
Graphic text reads: "Half of older people in Scotland report that they have cut back on heating or utilities at least occasionally because of financial difficulties." An icon of a house with steam lines is shown, representing heating.
We should all have the right to a warm and safe home as we age, but new statistics show 280,000 older households in Scotland experienced fuel poverty in 2024.
Urgent action is needed in the next Scottish Parliament to support older people in cold homes: www.independentage.org/news-media/p...
The Living Wage logo features text overlaid on three coloured circles of different sizes. It reads: We are a Living Wage Employer.
Independent Age is proud to be a Living Wage Employer!
It's one of many pledges and accreditations we have to ensure we're offering our colleagues the best opportunities and experiences while working together.
Take a look at our current vacancies:
https://www.independentage.org/about-us/careers
A map of Scotland is half shaded in. Text reads: More than half of older people in Scotland think the social security system works poorly for pensioners.
160,000 older people are living in poverty in Scotland, and this number could rise to 180,000 by 2031
All political parties must stand up for older people in Scotland ahead of the election
Help us push for change:
https://campaigns.independentage.org/page/185103/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=0zdi1lkx
I line of stick figure people with 1 out of 6 figures highlighted are underneath the statistic: 1 in 6 older people lives in poverty in the UK
Today on #WorldDayOfSocialJustice we’re standing with the nearly two million older people still living in poverty in the UK.
Poverty isn’t inevitable, together we can build a fairer society that provides a decent later life for all.
Join us: https://www.independentage.org/campaign-with-us
This is the year that we can start to make a difference.
It’s time to call on all politicians and political parties to implement policies that address the growing issue of pensioner poverty.
Read our new blog for @povertyalliance.org 👇
www.povertyalliance.org/blog-indepen...
Photos of older man outside his home. next to him is the text: We're recruiting a Public Affairs Manager
We're seeking a strategic, creative leader to head our Westminster public affairs team.
In the role you will develop and deliver influencing strategies to secure change for older people facing financial hardship.
Closes 1 March
https://jobs.independentage.org/Vacancy.aspx?ref=X239-26
Independent Age logo. A cartoon of someone opening an empty purse. Quote says: "Council tax, food, bills and electric - I've got nothing at the end of the day.... I have no social life, I can't go out."
Josh Murray of Independent Age
"There has never been a more important time to speak up for the 160,000 pensioners in poverty in Scotland. This is the highest number of older people in poverty in over 20"
Big Qs for our next MSPs in this great guest blog from Josh at @independentage.
www.povertyalliance.org/blog-indepen...
Small children gather around the ice sculpture of an old man. They are wrapped up warm in thick coats, pointing and looking closely at the sculpture.
A woman walking along the South Bank stops to take a photo of an ice sculpture carved to look like an older man wrapped up to try and avoid the cold. The River Thames and St Paul's Cathedral can be seen in the background.
With your support, we amplified older voices and helped reverse the damaging Winter Fuel Payment changes.
Together, we can make a difference.
Help us create lasting change for older people by becoming a campaigner: www.independentage.org/campaign-wit...
