Call to end 'unfair' energy deals

Age Concern wants a one-off payment of £100 for every pensioner household

A charity for the elderly has called on the government to tackle what it calls unfair energy pricing.

Age Concern said many pensioners paid in advance through meters, or by cash or cheque, which cost more than other options such as online payment.

The charity said in a report that older people were also less likely to shop around for better energy deals.

The Department for Energy and Climate Change said ministers had made it clear that unfair pricing had to end.

This would be done through legislation if necessary, it added.

The government must take urgent action to help the one in three pensioner households in fuel poverty Gordon Lishman Director, Age Concern

Age Concern's study suggests just 16% of pensioners were shopping around on the internet to switch supplier, compared with 39% of those aged 25 to 54.

The charity wants the government to get rid of penalties for paying energy bills up front.

Age Concern director Gordon Lishman said: "Relying on people to switch suppliers to get the best deal without addressing the unfairness in energy pricing is not going to help those in fuel poverty.

"Pensioners are the most likely group to be fuel poor, yet are less likely to switch supplier or have access to cheap online deals, and many pay higher rates because they pay by cash or cheque.

"The government must take urgent action to help the one in three pensioner households in fuel poverty by taking action to end these pricing inequalities in its pre-Budget report."

The government has already increased its winter fuel allowance for the elderly this year, but Age Concern said the rise was inadequate.

The charity wants a further one-off payment of £100 for every pensioner household.