Almost a million poor pensioners don't have central heating at home

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And hundreds of thousands don't have basic household appliances such as fridges and washing machines, according to research by retirement finance and property specialist Homewise.

The report spelt out the figures behind pensioner poverty in the UK: 900,000 are living in homes without central heating; around 180,000 OAPs don't have a fridge; more than 630,000 do not own a washing machine and a million don't have any double glazing installed at their property.

Pensioners living in the South are less likely to have fridges, washing machines and central heating than those in the North, who are the most likely to have central heating.

Mark Neal, managing director of Homewise said: "It is staggering that in 21st Century Britain there are so many pensioners living without amenities and services that the majority of us take for granted."

He said many elderly people are saddled by growing debts and inadequate pension provision.

"With such a low disposable income the prospect of spending hundreds, let alone thousands on household appliances just isn't an option."

And the options for retired home homeowners living in poor conditions are very limited, particularly if the property isn't worth a great deal.

"Moving out doesn't necessarily improve your quality of living and can be overwhelmingly stressful," he added.

A recent report from Homewise revealed that around 1.2 million pensioners are living in poor quality accommodation, with defects ranging from damp, to leaking roofs or flaking paintwork.

The company says around one in five of those who need to renovate claim they simply cannot afford to get the work done.