‘Older people will be left struggling’

More older people will be left struggling to pay for heat and healthcare because of Wednesday’s budget, Age Action has warned.

Group spokesman Eamon Timmins said: “Older people are already telling us they are going to bed in the middle of the day or sitting on buses or shopping centres in order to remain warm because they cannot afford to heat their homes.”

The value of electricity units provided under the household benefits package has been reduced by €20m and follows in the wake of cuts to the number of units last year.