Press Releases

Research on older people finds financial worries persist

22.9.10

22 September 2010

Research commissioned by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has highlighted that significant numbers of older people are seeking help for debt and benefit problems. Citizens Advice Cymru conducted the research, which looked at enquiries made by the over 60’s to Citizens Advice Bureaux across Wales in 2009.

An ICM Poll of 1,500 people of all ages, commissioned by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, has found that one third of people over the age of 60 are worried or very worried about their financial future.

Ruth Marks, the Older People’s Commissioner said: “This report, focuses on people over the age of 60 and is the first of its kind for Citizens Advice Cymru. Older people consistently tell me that they struggle to make ends meet, and that navigating their way through the tax and benefits system can be confusing and frustrating.

The economic downturn has hit older people hard and with huge public spending cuts on the horizon. Service providers in Wales must make sure older people can access the help and support they need to maximise their income.”

Fran Targett, Director of Citizens Advice Cymru said: “During 2009 more than 14,000 older people with almost 48,000 problems came to Citizens Advice Bureau across Wales. This research has brought to light some interesting and perhaps surprising information, particularly the worryingly high level of debt enquiries - a quarter of all issues brought to Bureaux by older people. This is striking and perhaps not the predicted picture we expect of older people.”

The research shows that older people are most likely to seek help with benefit or tax credit problems, which account for just over 40% of enquires. For people under 60, the figure is just over 30%.

Both Ruth Marks and Fran Targett stressed that in the difficult financial times ahead, the clear evidence presented in this report strengthens the case for ensuring that help in claiming benefits and encouraging benefit take-up remains a high priority.

Ruth Marks added “Our poll shows that money is a huge worry for older people and it is vital that people seek advice to help claim the correct benefits and plan their finances.”