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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 1h

A huge thank you to panellists and attendees for joining our event at #SNP Conference as we explored how we can tackle poverty in later life in Scotland.

Conversations like these are vital in the run up to next year's Holyrood election.

Find out more: www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...

A room is full of people who are looking ahead at a long desk with four panellists. Screens either side of the panellists show that this is an Independent Age event exploring poverty in later life in Scotland.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 11h

Get your Will written or updated for free this #FreeWillsMonth if you're 55+!

It's a great time to think about leaving a legacy - a gift in your Will can help us support even more older people.

Find out how your Will can support our vital work:
https://www.independentage.org/support-us/legacies

Illustration of a stack of papers with a signature on them representing a Will. A pen lays on the top of the pile. Text reads: Free Wills Month. Change the future for an older person with a gift in your Will.

Reposted by Independent Age

Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 1d

We know #renters of all ages living on a low income can't afford the ever increasing #rents and Housing Benefit doesn't touch the sides for many. @independentage.bsky.social has joined others to call on the UK Government to uprate Local Housing Allowance in the their budget #rent #renting #campaign

Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 1d

We’re proud to have joined with over 40 organisations including campaigners for tenants, homelessness and debt advice charities, landlord organisations and others in calling on the UK government to unfreeze local housing allowance at the upcoming budget.

🧵(1/2)

#UnfreezeLHA

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Reposted by Independent Age

Chartered Institute of Housing @cihhousing.bsky.social · 1d

We’re proud to have joined with over 40 organisations including campaigners for tenants, homelessness and debt advice charities, landlord organisations and others in calling on the UK government to unfreeze local housing allowance at the upcoming budget.

🧵(1/2)

#UnfreezeLHA

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 1d

Our research found that two-thirds of older renters in receipt of Housing Benefit are not receiving enough to cover their rent.

No one should have to go without meals, warm water, or live in cold homes in order to pay their rent.
www.independentage.org/news-media/p...

A quote from Thomas reads: The increases in rent over the past year have far outstripped the increases in pension...and because Housing Benefit is based upon an unrealistic rent, I now pay 60% to 70% of my income in rent alone.

Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 1d

Frozen housing allowance rates are forcing too many renters into impossible choices between paying rent and affording other essentials.

We are joining over 40 organisations in calling for the UK Govt to #UnfreezeLHA at the Budget.

www.cih.org/media/bn3cdg...

Logos from over 40 organisations focused on renting, homelessness, debt advice, landlords and more who are supporting a joint letter calling on the UK Government to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance rates in the Autumn Budget.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 2d

#CyberMonth2025 is a great time to check that the older people in your life are protecting themselves online.

From protecting your devices to website security, we've got tips and info to help make the most out of being online:
https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/staying-safe/internet-safety

Staying safe online

Internet safety tips to keep yourself and your devices protected when you're online.

www.independentage.org

Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 4d

In 2024, our Helpline identified £5.7 million in unclaimed support.

Too many older people like Robbie are facing financial hardship alone but Independent Age can help.

Watch the full video with Sue Holderness: https://youtu.be/7TwSapxhvkE

Sue Holderness listens to real Independent Age Helpline calls

As part of a series of films with Sue Holderness, the actress spent time listening to real Independent Age Helpline calls.Our advisers speak to thousands of ...

youtu.be

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 5d

Our #OlderScotlandIndex25 tracks the reality of later life in Scotland ➡️ Pensioner poverty is a growing issue, but it’s not inevitable.

This #ChallengePoverty Week, we need action. #CPW25
https://www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/research-reports/economic-wellbeing-index-scotland-2025

Icons of a house with a man and woman stick figures stood next to it. Text reads: Nearly 1 in 5 older people in Scotland has a household income of less than £15,000.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 5d

The decision to increase water bills will be damaging to people on low incomes in these areas.

Older people are already drastically cutting back, this shouldn't be happening in modern Britain.

We need a national water social tariff to protect customers.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...

Households to pay extra £556m in water bills after regulator decision

Five companies - Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, and Wessex Water - argued Ofwat's original decision left them unable to meet regulatory requirements.

www.dailymail.co.uk

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 5d

This #GiftAidAwarenessDay we're celebrating all our amazing supporters. If you #TickTheBox when you donate, thank you!

But every year, charities are still missing out on £560m in unclaimed Gift Aid. So help us spread the message to #TickTheBox

https://www.independentage.org/

Image promoting Gift Aid. It shows a donation box with a heart symbol, a checked tick box, and a wrapped gift box. Text reads: "Your Donation + TickTheBox = 25% Extra Free." Additional text encourages "#TickTheBox," stating it doesn’t cost extra and helps more.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 6d

Poverty among pensioners is often overlooked and underestimated but the risk of financial hardship in later life is significant and rising.

In a new blog for @povertyalliance.org, we call for system changes to deliver security not struggle for older people.
www.povertyalliance.org/guest-blog-s...

Guest Blog: Security not Struggle for Scotland’s older people

Matthew Sayers, Scotland Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer Independent Age Click here to read the Independent Age manifesto to reduce pensioner poverty Every day at Independent Age - the nation...

www.povertyalliance.org

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 6d

Whether Helpline callers are looking for advice for themselves or for older people they care about, we can help.

Our Helpline advisers offer free and impartial support on a range of subjects.

📽️ WATCH: Actress Sue Holderness visits Independent Age: https://youtu.be/7TwSapxhvkE

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 6d

We are pleased to announce that Independent Age has been #PIFTick re-certified ✅

This means that our advice and information is up-to-date, evidence-based and easy to use.

Find out more about how we produce our information:
https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/how-we-produce-our-information

How we produce our information

Discover how we produce trustworthy, up-to-date information to support older people, based on research and user feedback.

www.independentage.org

Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 7d

There are around 160,000 older people facing poverty in Scotland and this number is set to rise if we don't act.

In just over 2 weeks, we'll be joining the #ScotlandDemandsBetter rally to call for a better later life for everyone.
https://www.scotland-demands-better.com/

Text reads: We support Scotland Demands Better. Be there for better! The march for all of us - Edinburgh - 25 Oct. Scotland-Demands-Better.Com

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 7d

Independent Age is heading to Aberdeen for the #SNP Conference!

Ahead of 2026's Holyrood election, we'll be discussing why we need action to tackle pensioner poverty in Scotland.

Check out our new manifesto: https://www.independentage.org/policy-and-research/manifesto-to-reduce-pensioner-poverty

An older man and an older woman smile at the camera, both are stood outside. Text reads: Join us at Conference! Why action on pensioner poverty is essential: Looking ahead to the 2026 election. Sunday 12 October, 12.30-1.30pm. Meeting room 7, Level 1, TECA, Aberdeen. SNP Conference

Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 8d

Today, we were at the @smfthinktank.bsky.social Conservative Party Conference event discussing pensions adequacy.

@morganvine.bsky.social shared real stories from our Helpline and policy recommendations that could reduce poverty in later life.

Learn more: www.independentage.org/poverty-late...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 8d

Our Helpline receives thousands of calls each year from older people like Cathy.

Actress Sue Holderness listened in to some of these calls to understand how financial hardship is impacting people in later life.

As Sue says, we're here to help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TwSapxhvkE

Sue Holderness listens to real Independent Age Helpline calls

As part of a series of films with Sue Holderness, the actress spent time listening to real Independent Age Helpline calls.Our advisers speak to thousands of ...

www.youtube.com

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Reposted by Independent Age

Citizens Advice Scotland @citizensadvicescot.bsky.social · 8d

This morning our Head of Social Justice joined with colleagues from @povertyalliance.org and @independentage.bsky.social to discuss the impact a minimum income guarantee could make and the steps needed to deliver this as part of Challenge Poverty week. #ChallengePoverty #WeDemandBetter

The Minimum Income Guarantee can provide the sure foundation that we all need by ensuring a level of income that will allow all of us to live a dignified life. A roadmap has been created on the steps we need to take get there, now we need our politicians to commit to delivering these.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 9d

The Independent Age team is in Manchester this weekend for the Conservative Party Conference!

Follow along as we champion older voices and share our recommendations on improving later life at #CPC25.

Take a look at our research here:
https://www.independentage.org/poverty-later-life

An older woman and an older man have neutral expressions as they look at the camera. Text reads: Conference takeover.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 10d

Action to improve energy efficiency in the private rented sector could transform the lives of older people who are too often living in the coldest, least energy efficient homes.

Find our recommendations in our Turning the dial report:
https://www.independentage.org/turning-the-dial

Icons show 10 houses with one coloured in dark blue. Text reads: More than 1 in 10 households that include one or more people age 60+ are in fuel poverty.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 11d

Our Helpline team supports thousands of older people facing financial hardship each year.

Actress Sue Holderness spoke to Rachel and Emily, two of our brilliant advisers, about how these services are making a difference.

Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGPQzNvPquw

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 12d

We've been working with actress Sue Holderness to show how our Helpline supports older people.

Through thousands of calls each year, we offer free, expert advice to those in need, including friends, family and carers.

Watch the series of films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_mqM2Ntbcg

Actress Sue Holderness grins at the camera. A quote from her reads: Too many older people across the UK are living in poverty - every day is a struggle as they simply do not have enough money to cover the essentials. That's why Independent Age is such an important charity. They are on the frontline supporting those in later life living in financial hardship.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 12d

One in seven pensioners in Scotland are living in poverty.

With next year's Holyrood election, all political parties must commit to reducing poverty in later life.

Read our recommendations: www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...

Number of pensioners in poverty could soar by 20,000 by 2031, charity warns

Independent Age warned the number of older people in poverty could reach 180,000 by 2031 if targeted action is not taken.

news.stv.tv

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 12d

Sue Holderness: “Independent Age is changing lives for the better, and you will be met with unwavering support, compassion and understanding.”

We've worked with acting legend Sue Holderness to show how we support older people facing financial hardship.
pa.media/blogs/pa-upl...

Only Fools And Horses star praises charity helpline supporting older people

PA Media

pa.media