Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“I strongly welcome the report published today by Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which highlights that poverty amongst older people is rising – now affecting 1 in 5 older people in Wales – and demonstrates the need for action to be taken as a matter of urgency.
“This is an issue I have consistently highlighted, most recently in my State of the Nation report, as living in poverty has a significant impact upon older people’s health and well-being.
“Tackling rising poverty amongst older people must be a priority, which is why I have been campaigning to increase the take-up of Pension Credit in Wales. £214 million of Pension Credit went unclaimed here last year, meaning that thousands of older people are missing out on financial entitlements that can make a positive to their lives.
“In addition to this, I have also called on the UK and Welsh governments to protect the rights and entitlements that support older people’s financial security, alongside calling for action to ensure that people are aware of the financial support that may be available to them and are claiming what they are entitled to.”
