New government figures show little change in the numbers of pensioners living in poverty. The steady progress made since 1997 seems to have faltered. Last year pensioner poverty increased and the latest figures – covering 2007-08 – show similar rates. When measured on an ‘after housing costs’ basis there are two million pensioners in poverty – a higher number than in 2004-05. As shown in previous reports, some groups are affected more than others, so the risk of poverty is 18% overall, but for tenants it is around 28% and for Pakistani and Bangladeshi older people it is as high as 49%.

Age Concern and Help the Aged commented that these figures ‘sound a wake-up call for a government which must now set out a clear commitment and timetable to end the burning shame of pensioner poverty’.