Jonathan Ashworth comments on Age UK's 'Cost of Cold' report

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour's Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on a survey from Age UK's 'Cost of Cold' report finding 45% of over-60s are worried about heating their homes this winter, said:

“It's shaping up to be another miserable winter for pensioners.

“Not only are heating bills rocketing, prices are going up in the shops and many community activities our most vulnerable pensioners rely on are cancelled because of Boris Johnson’s failure to grip the covid crisis.

“It’s a disgrace that so many older people feel isolated at home, understandably concerned about covid, yet are unable to afford the heating bills.

“Action is needed to support our elderly this winter. Labour has called on the Government to immediately remove VAT on domestic energy bills for six months, and for the largest homes upgrade programme in generations to warm homes and bring down bills."