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Social Policy 

Our bureau follows the aims and the principles of the Citizens Advice service and as such we carry out campaigns to improve the policies and principles that affect people's lives. One of the ways we do this is through our social policy campaigning work. This page contains information and reports from our latest campaigns.

 Click here to download Soldiering on
 

Soldiering on: How the recession has affected older people in Warwickshire

Concerned that the older generation were quietly absorbing the burden of the recession, a survey undertaken by Warwickshire Citizens Advice Bureaux and Warwickshire Trading Standards Service has revealed the impact that the current economic climate is having on the financial well-being of the over 60’s. 

Not only are they having difficulty in paying for essentials such as gas, electricity and food, the survey has also identified the hidden costs they incur as parents and grandparents, helping family members who have also been affected by the recession.

 
·        Half of the 163 people surveyed  said they had difficulty in paying for gas and electricity – and this was before the worst winter in living memory
·        1 in 3 (33%) had difficulty in paying for food
·        1 in 5 (20% were having difficulty in repaying credit cards or loans
·        1 in 6 (17%) were having difficulty in paying for their rent or mortgage.
 
118 respondents said they were worried about the effects of the recession on a member of their family. 101 respondents disclosed their reasons for their concern:
 
·        64% had a member of their family affected by unemployment.
·        37% had a member of their family affected by debt.
·        84% of our respondents identified that family members were relying on them for financial help.
·        27% were providing child care
 
·        22% were providing accommodation
 
North Warwickshire Bureau Manager Carol Musgrave said “The present financial climate is affecting large numbers of the over 60’s as their savings diminish and the cost of essential services increase. I would urge anyone who is feeling the pinch to contact their local CAB. We can help with debt problems and benefit claims in a confidential setting”.
 
  • Increased access to independent, trusted information and advice services that can seek out and encourage older people to claim their entitlement to benefits.

  •  Abolition of the Default Retirement Age of 65 so people can carry on working.

  • The Introduction of mandatory social tariffs for those on a low income in order to reduce fuel poverty.

 

 

Contact Us 

North Warwickshire CAB
The Parish Rooms
Welcome Street, Atherstone
CV9 1DU
Advice line: 0844 855 2322
10:00 - 2:00 Monday - Friday

 

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