‘I don’t think I’ll ever be able to retire’: Pensioner slams paltry state pension | Personal Finance | Finance
Keith Grinsted, a 69-year-old from Sudbury in Suffolk, claims he can’t afford to live off the state pension so doesn’t think he will ever be able to retire. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Keith said he goes without hot water and only heats one room to make his money stretch further.
Rewind Keith’s life a few years and it doesn’t seem that long ago that he dreamt of retiring at 55.
Now, at 69-years-old he’s working harder than ever just when it should be time to put his feet up.
Luckily, Keith likes to stay busy because he believes it keeps him young, but he also says he has no choice if he wants some sort of life.
He has slammed the paltry state pension saying it needs to be much higher because it doesn’t even cover the cost of living.
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Keith rents privately and after putting aside £550 from his state pension for his landlord, he only has £250 left to cover Council Tax, energy bills and food.
It means he can’t afford to retire if he wants to continue to live a life outside his flat.
Unfortunately, Keith’s story is not unique.
He runs Goodbye Lonely, a campaign helping other people his age to combat loneliness which means he comes into contact with lots of people in a similar situation.
Almost half of over 60s (45 percent) are worried about how they will heat their homes this winter, according to Age UK.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “We cannot let a situation continue where people are so worried about rising bills that they either put their health at risk by not keeping their homes warm enough or feel forced to cut back on meals to make ends meet.
“If the Government does not provide urgent financial support to change this it could mean a tragedy for older people.
“The cost of cold has never been higher.”
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