From a base line of 1997, the above chart shows how the price of domestic fuel and rates has varied in relation to pensions. Only electricity has remained below the level of pension increases, but even that has shown a steep rise in the past year. Water rates have rocketed out of all proportion to anything else, while Onchan local authority rates have risen slightly more than pensions. Gas prices have shown a considerable increase over pensions during the last three years. All the prices have risen at a rate higher than pensions during the last year.
Where minor fluctuations in gas and electricity prices have occurred during a year, the average has been taken. Source of information was the cost in pence per unit (kilowatt hour) as stated on bills. Standing charges have not been taken into account.
Indications for future trends show the cost of gas and electricity rising at twice the rate of pensions, and water at four times that of pensions. Onchan rates, though previously showing a hesitant following of pensions, now show a definite upturn of about 1.5 times.
Intervention must take place for pensioners to survive.