PENSIONERS in Wales have welcomed a hard-hitting report on poverty and demanded that pensions rise to the national living wage.

Published today, the latest report by Older People’s Commissioner for Wales Rhian Bowen-Davies — titled Older People and Poverty in Wales — lays bare the poverty’s scale and impact among pensioners.

It reveals that one in six older people in Wales now live in poverty, with one in four women living alone experiencing poverty; it estimates that nearly half of black, Asian and minority-ethnic households in Wales are affected.

National Pensioner Convention Wales chairman Bryan Godsell pointed out that the national living wage is set by the British government as the absolute minimum level that a person can exist.

Mr Godsell said the basic state pension is set at just 36 per cent of the national living wage, and even the new state pension is set at just over 47 per cent.

“NPC Wales calls upon the UK government to provide us all with an adequate minimum income through the state pension that is in line with the national living wage,” Mr Godsell said.

“With finances and living costs very much in the spotlight this week with the Chancellor set to deliver her Budget in Westminster, my report is an important reminder of the stark realities faced by individuals living in poverty,” Ms Bowen-Davies said.

The commissioner warned that the colder weather will see older people worry about paying bills and choosing between heating and eating.

“In the days ahead, we will no doubt hear a great deal about how public spending could be reduced, where efficiencies could be made, the benefits of investing in key social areas,” she said. “Yet there is likely to be little discussion about the significant costs created by poverty, not only in terms of personal costs to individuals but also the costs to the public purse and the savings that tackling poverty could deliver.

“We need a national debate about what constitutes a sufficient income that would enable us to live and age well.”

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “We’re determined to do all we can to prevent people from going into poverty and helping those who need support the most.”