Age NI response to poverty and income inequality statistics

The Department for Communities has published its most recent statistics on poverty and income inequality in Northern Ireland. Age NI is disappointed to see that the percentage of pensioners living in relative poverty has remained at 12% for another year, which translates to 35,000 people. It is also concerning that the number of pensioners in absolute poverty, those who are experiencing the most severe financial hardship, has risen from 7% to 9%, a total of 27,000 older people who are really struggling to make ends meet.

These figures, alongside recent data from Trussell showing a three-fold increase in pensioners using foodbanks in the last 5 years, suggest that poverty is deepening for older people in Northern Ireland. It is a reminder of the urgency required from the Department for Communities to publish its Anti-Poverty Strategy and to ensure that the strategy contains measurable targets for reducing poverty in later life.

Links:

https://datavis.nisra.gov.uk/communities/PII_report_2324.html#

https://cms.trussell.org.uk/sites/default/files/wp-assets/EYS-Northern-Ireland-Factsheet-2023-24.pdf