One in seven could be poverty stricken by 2031

Scots pensioners living in poverty could soar by 20,000 by the end of the next Scottish Parliament, a charity has warned.

Independent Age is worried that the figure could be as much as 180,000 by 2031 if targeted action is not taken.

Around one in every seven pensioners in the country would be living in poverty by then.

Ahead of the Holyrood elections in May, it has called on all political parties to commit to reducing pensioner poverty.

Independent Age is calling for the creation of a pensioner poverty strategy and action to reduce energy bills.

They form part of its manifesto, launched today, which urges parties to commit to appointing a commissioner for older people, “delivering a decent and dignified social security system” and guaranteeing the right to a secure and affordable home.

The charity said its research found 63% of pensioners feel unrepresented by the Scottish Government.

Debbie Horne, Scotland policy and public affairs manager at Independent Age, said: “In a wealthy and compassionate society, no older person should have to live in poverty.

“However, currently 160,000 pensioners are in poverty and our ageing population means that by the end of the next Scottish parliamentary term an additional 20,000 older people across the nation could be plunged into poverty.

“We need urgent action. The older people in Scotland that we speak to tell us they don’t have enough to live on.

“This means they are eating less, not turning the heating on when they need to, and are worried about housing costs. They also feel ignored and unheard.”

She added: “Pensioner poverty is at the highest point in nearly 20 years in Scotland, and rising. This cannot be allowed to continue.

“We call on all political parties in the next Scottish Parliament to take the necessary steps to reduce pensioner poverty as a matter of urgency.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.