This
chart shows how the cost of domestic fuel, water and rates, already
eating away nearly half of the state pension, will eventually consume
the whole of it.
It is based on the following data:-
With the exception of electricity, the assumption is made that the percentage increases for the current year will continue in future years. The high rise in electricity cost (35%) is thought to be exceptional. Since 1997, the price has largely fallen and remained constant, making the present high rise possibly a "catching up" process. 9%, as for gas, seems reasonable, and is a close approximation to the predicted "5% above inflation".
Current fuel costs are based on actual bills from May 2004 to May 2005 for an average house in Onchan, with gas central heating, one electric fire, gas hob and electric oven. Water and rates charges reflect the 2005 bills.
The chart illustrates, not only the derisory nature of the state pension, but its utter failure to keep up with the true cost of living. How can our government continue to ignore this fact?
It is based on the following data:-
Pension:
Starting at £82.05
per week and rising by 3.5%
a year.
Gas: Starting at £798 per year and rising by 9% a year.
Electricity: Starting at £557 per year and rising by 9% a year.
Water: Starting at £280 per year and rising by 11% a year.
Rates: Starting at £335 per year and rising by 7% a year.
Gas: Starting at £798 per year and rising by 9% a year.
Electricity: Starting at £557 per year and rising by 9% a year.
Water: Starting at £280 per year and rising by 11% a year.
Rates: Starting at £335 per year and rising by 7% a year.
With the exception of electricity, the assumption is made that the percentage increases for the current year will continue in future years. The high rise in electricity cost (35%) is thought to be exceptional. Since 1997, the price has largely fallen and remained constant, making the present high rise possibly a "catching up" process. 9%, as for gas, seems reasonable, and is a close approximation to the predicted "5% above inflation".
Current fuel costs are based on actual bills from May 2004 to May 2005 for an average house in Onchan, with gas central heating, one electric fire, gas hob and electric oven. Water and rates charges reflect the 2005 bills.
The chart illustrates, not only the derisory nature of the state pension, but its utter failure to keep up with the true cost of living. How can our government continue to ignore this fact?