The number of people dying in poverty has surged by almost a fifth in recent years, according to analysis conducted for an end-of-life charity. Research from Loughborough University for Marie Curie suggests that over 111,000 individuals died in poverty last year across the UK, a significant increase from the 93,000 reported in 2019. In a new report, it was also revealed that around 128,000 people passed away in fuel poverty in 2022, with 110,000 of them being pensioners.
The study indicated that individuals in the last year of their lives faced higher rates of fuel poverty, defined as having insufficient income to heat a home adequately, compared to those not at the end of life. Factors contributing to this situation included terminally ill individuals requiring higher and longer periods of heating in their homes, the need to run medical equipment, and potential loss of income for those of working age. The decision by Sir Keir Starmer’s Government to restrict the winter fuel allowance to only the poorest pensioners has been met with criticism, even from within his own party.
Marie Curie has urged the government to take action following their research findings, especially at a time when an assisted dying Bill is under consideration in Parliament. The charity highlighted the importance of ensuring that individuals do not feel pressured to opt for assisted death simply because they cannot afford basic necessities for a decent standard of living. Dr. Sam Royston, the executive director of policy and research at Marie Curie, emphasised that no one should have to worry about finances or home heating in their final days.
The report recommended that the Government provide working-age people with less than 12 months to live with a pension-level income and introduce a social tariff to reduce energy bills for those nearing the end of their lives. By utilising data from various surveys and the Office for National Statistics, researchers concluded that poverty rates have been on the rise, particularly affecting individuals aged 65 and older. Proposals for a social tariff that offers dying individuals 50% off their energy bills could potentially lift 54,000 people out of fuel poverty.
Dr. Juliet Stone, a research fellow from Loughborough University, highlighted the increasing financial difficulties faced by low-income households in recent years, leading to a sharp rise in poverty at the end of life. She noted that efforts to address poverty must consider the unique challenges faced by individuals in the last year of their lives. Dr. Elaine Robinson added that existing policies on fuel poverty do not adequately support terminally ill individuals, especially working adults facing income loss due to serious illness.
Responding to the research findings, a Government spokesperson stated that no one should endure financial hardship due to a health condition, emphasizing the existence of support systems for those approaching the end of life. They mentioned ongoing initiatives such as extending the household support fund, benefit increases, and energy efficiency enhancements aimed at lifting households out of fuel poverty.
As the debate on poverty and support for those nearing the end of life continues, it is essential for policymakers to address the unique financial challenges faced by terminally ill individuals. The call for enhanced social support and energy cost reduction measures reflects the urgent need to improve the quality of life for those in their final days. In light of these findings, it is crucial for the Government to reevaluate current policies and ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the necessary assistance to alleviate financial burdens during this critical stage of life.