Reaction to energy price cap announcement
I write in response to last Thursday’s Ofgem energy price cap announcement for January 1, 2024, which is set to increase by around £100 and is 85 per cent higher than winter 2020/21.
The energy price cap announcement offers little reassurance for older people in financial hardship, with bills still 85 per cent higher than before the energy crisis.
We speak to people in later life who are living in one room because they can’t afford to properly heat their home, those who risk falls because they aren’t turning on the lights, and older people who are in thousands of pounds of debt to energy suppliers. They urgently need help.
With average energy prices having close to doubled in recent years, coupled with rocketing household costs such as water, food and broadband, those on a low income have endured several years of sky-high costs from all angles.
Older people in financial hardship are especially vulnerable to sharp price increases, as many are on a fixed income. The extra money simply isn’t there.
The UK Government needs to announce financial support now to help the most financially vulnerable, including those in later life, get through this winter.
After that, we need a long-term solution to protect against the impact of continuing high prices, including energy.
Our evidence shows an energy social tariff would offer more stability to older people on a low income and make sure no one is forced to make dangerous choices. This must be something the UK Government consults on.
Joanna Elson CBE, chief executive of Independent Age.
Urgent appeal for used postage stamps
I am writing to you on behalf of Friends of Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) to ask for your help at any time, but especially as it is Christmas time!
We are a group of people throughout the UK who are raising funds independently for this wonderful charity. Thank you to everyone who has helped us over the year.
We are appealing for your support this Christmas by asking your readers to save their used, new and obsolete postage stamps from the UK and overseas, horizon labels and Royal Mail tracking labels, first day covers and collections etc.
Every stamp sent to us will help to fund life-saving research into primary bone cancer.
Postage stamps are used less and less so if more people know about our requirements, we will hopefully still raise enough money to find a cure for primary bone cancer. We are in great need of postage stamps from anywhere outside mainland UK.
We are also in need of currency from overseas and obsolete UK notes and coins.
Primary bone cancer can occur at any age, but affects mostly children, teenagers, young adults and the elderly. Every 10 minutes, somewhere in the world, someone is diagnosed with primary bone cancer. Collecting used stamps is a simple way to make a huge difference.
Stamps can be sent to the following address: Friends Of BCRT – Postage Stamps & More!, C/O 20 Bowers Road, BENFLEET, Essex, England, SS7 5PZ.
Thank you for your time.
Terri Bush, Friends Of BCRT – Postage Stamp Appeal & More!