More than 300 people in single households aged 65 and over are living in Bolton with no central heating.

During a cost-of-living crisis where energy bills have substantially increased, many people in Bolton have struggled with their heating and gas costs.

Age UK Bolton have worked to provide struggling people with ‘warm spaces’ at the Age UK centre and also run several community groups like afternoon tea to get people out and into a warm space.

The study by Age UK revealed that 365 people in Bolton did not have central heating out of 16,003 single person households over 65.

It also revealed that one in 25 older people living alone in some areas of England and Wales have no central heating.

CEO for Citizens Advice Bureau Bolton and Bury, Gary Malcomson said: “I would encourage anyone, no matter their age, to reach out for advice.

The Bolton News:

“Although these are challenging times, services are here to help.

“There is support available locally for those who need it. We have recently launched a partnership project with Age UK Bury & Age UK Bolton.

“The project is delivered via free quality-assured advice to those vulnerable to fuel poverty, supporting them towards being able to keep warm and healthier homes.”

The data is taken from the latest census, which took place on March 21 2021.

Mr Malcomson added: “The partnership aims to enable vulnerable people to be able to afford their energy bills, reducing fuel poverty and creating a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.”

In Bury, out of 11,083 single person households aged over 65, 238 had no central heating.

Age UK described the findings as being “of tremendous concern” and warned of “potentially serious consequences” for older people’s health and wellbeing.

Having no central heating is one of the household characteristics used as an indicator of deprivation.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at older people’s charity Age UK told PA: “Having limited money in later life really impacts day-to-day living, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and disconnection from society.

“These figures are of tremendous concern, as older people lacking central heating often find it very difficult to stay warm during the winter months with potentially serious consequences for their health and wellbeing.”

Having no central heating is one of the household characteristics used as an indicator of deprivation.

Age UK said anyone who is struggling, or their concerned families and friends, can contact its free Age UK advice line on 0800 169 65 65 which is open every day from 8am until 7pm.