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Learn More about Return to Rationing?

The Royal British Legion have joined forces with the national older persons’ charity Age Concern to launch a campaign aimed at increasing the incomes of older people living in poverty.

Why we are launching this campaign

We are campaigning to increase the incomes of older people living in poverty.

38% of ex-Service pensioners report an income below the minimum required for healthy living.

Many have been forced, through poverty, to ration everyday essentials, similar to their experiences during and after the Second World War.

National Statistics figures for 2003/04 state that the net income for pensioner households at £246 per week. In comparison the ex-Service community above pensionable age had a slightly lower weekly net income of £216. Based upon research by the London School of Hygiene, this tells us that many older members of the ex-Service community survive on an income below the minimum level required to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

These people made great sacrifices for their country. We have drawn up a list of policy recommendations which the Government could use to help this extraordinary generation. They deserve better, and you can help.