'Asset rich, cash poor' pensioners urged to make their voices heard

Thursday 06 May 2021

Employment & Social Security is asking pensioners for their input on socially acceptable standards of living in Guernsey, with Age Concern saying that a lot of 'cash poor' islanders are struggling with the increasing cost of daily life.

ESS has already launched a study on minimum income standards but wants to hear more from pensioners. It has been encouraged by the response from the rest of the public so far, but feel more feedback is needed from the older generation.

Pictured: The research is being conducted online and support is being given for people unfamiliar with the format.

To undertake their research, ESSis working with Age Concern and the University of the Third Age. 

The Chairman of Age Concern Guernsey said lots of their membership have concerns about how to spend their money.

“A lot of pensioners are asset rich and cash poor,” said David Inglis. “They have additional costs they have no control over, like the increased cost of waste and black bags.”

“The understanding of what pensioners spend their money on needs updating – it’s not simply a basket of goods.”

Pictured: The study has included both working-age adults and pensioners.

Any pensioners interested in having their voice heard are asked to fill in the States' online form HERE.

Mr Inglis hopes the online format won’t put off some of their members.

“It is difficult for some of our members to use the format,” he said, “many of them aren’t that tech savvy.”

However, the States are helping those who want to get involved, and Mr Inglis agrees it’s such an important issue that they should.

“People are living longer, so their income needs to be spent wisely."