Pensioners...new Energy Prices, And Cutting Back

[pastafreak]

This is really for anyone on a fixed income.
Do you expect to be cutting back in order to pay for fuel price increases?
What will go...days out? Clothing? Food?

[barry1010]

Times don't seem to have changed much. I clearly remember pensioners spending their days riding the buses or sitting in the reading room of the library because it they couldn't afford to heat their homes in the 1970s

[bednobs]

when i have got over covid i might even consider going back to the office so i dont have to have the heating on or wear a ridiculous amount of clothes

[pastafreak]

When I retired 2+ years ago I decided I was going to keep myself warm, and not scrimp on the heating as being cold/chilly for several hours is nothing compared to all bloody day. But it seems like it hasn't been enough since prices went up in October. It will just get worse now. Those who cut back on both heat and food will suffer even more as eating proper meals helps your body warm up. The elderly will definitely suffer more.

[rowanwitch]

At the moment I am probably stuck as I have multiple joint problems, even sitting at a desk would be difficult. Hoping to sell some of my quilts and bedspreads at a fair later this year ( sharing a craft fair table). If I can even sell three or four it would probably top up my fuel shortfall

[barry1010]

rowan, as you are of working age and unable to work due to health have you tried claiming sickness benefits?

[pat2604]

Were on a fixed income and basically have never been big spenders. Both on StatePensions with no significant works pensions. I get attendance allowance. Fortunately we have funds and investments available from a property and landsale which we have never touched. We lives simple life now and our outgoings are low. Food,roof over our head and warmth are priorities. We've no mortgage for rent to pay.Our heating is mainly from a wood burner and we underdstand the right way to burn wood! We rarely eat out and only make short car journeys. We don't frequent pubs any more, or have takeaways. I have stacks of clothes and OH spends most of his time outside cutting wood etc. And doesn't need new clothing. So basically, the increases won't affect us much. But I feel very sorry for young families and the elderly living on State Pension and those living on low wages.

[rowanwitch]

As I have no recent documents as evidence I wouldnt be successful. May try it after I see the orthopods in the next few weeks. If they don't think it's osteo arthritis it will then be a 52 week wait or longer for rheumatologist ( longest waiting list locally)my GP suspects it's rheumatoid as it's getting worse really rapidly.