Dec 12 2006
Figures published today indicate that the rate of inflation for the elderly has increased in October, reaching 4.1 per cent.
The monthly Age and Inflation study by Alliance Trust reports that total fuel prices have increased by 30 per cent in the past year including a 40 per cent rise in gas and 27 per cent rise in electricity, while the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners will not be increased.
Shona Dobbie, head of the Alliance Trust Research Centre, said: "This month's results illustrate once again the fact that the official headline inflation rate does not necessarily paint a true picture of the actual impact of inflation experienced by the over 75s."
She added that for this age group, the rate of inflation had more than doubled the target rate of inflation set out by the government.
Following the publication of these statistics, Ian Borthwick, Dundee advocacy officer for Age Concern Scotland, stated that pensioners "deserve a better deal" in their retirement, the Evening Telegraph reports.
