Report indicates over a third of working-age individuals die in poverty

A report released by Marie Curie indicates that over a third of working-age individuals in Bradford were experiencing poverty at the time of their death. The charity, known for its advocacy in end-of-life care, stated that its data positioned Bradford among the top 20 council areas in the UK most affected by poverty. Furthermore, its Dying in Poverty 2024 report revealed that 28.9% of pensioners who passed away in Bradford in 2023 were also living in poverty, making it the fourth highest area nationwide for this demographic. The government commented that specific regulations have been established to “ensure those nearing the end of life can claim the support they deserve in a timely manner”. Sarah Holmes, Marie Curie’s chief medical officer, remarked that the report’s conclusions highlighted Bradford as a community “where people face a lot of financial challenges”. Ms. Holmes, who resides in Bradford, stated: “Bradford is a great place.” She continued: “It’s rich in diversity of heritage and culture, but sadly it’s also rich in diversity from a financial perspective as well.” She added: “It has many deprived communities.” She attributed this situation partly to the city’s economic past, citing factors such as the decline of the woollen industry. The report, which draws on research conducted by Loughborough University, indicated that Middlesbrough recorded the highest proportion of working-age individuals dying in poverty at 44.5%. Bradford was positioned 16th with 35.3%, and Hull was 15th with 35.4%. Nationwide, the report stated that 110,000 individuals died in poverty in 2023, an increase from 93,000 in 2019. The study also identified that women and individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds experienced a disproportionate impact. Data from Bradford Council showed that 51% of the city’s residents identified as women, and 56.7% of the population identified as White British. Phil Mawhinney, policy manager at Age UK, commented: “Poverty in later life definitely reflects people’s experiences in working life.” He elaborated: “People have to take time off in work and they are often women because they are more likely to take time out of work to look after children or family.” He concluded: “When people take time out of work they don’t build up as much of a pension record.” Marie Curie is urging the government to ensure a pension-level income for working-age individuals with less than 12 months to live and to implement a social tariff aimed at reducing energy costs for those at the end of life. During the recent Budget, the government declared that winter fuel payments would be restricted to recipients of pension credit or other forms of means-tested assistance. Additionally, it announced an increase in the national minimum wage and a rise in National Insurance contributions for employers. A spokesperson for the government stated: “No one should suffer financial hardship because of a health condition – that’s why special rules are in place to ensure those nearing the end of life can claim the support they deserve in a timely manner.” The spokesperson further added: “Alongside this, we are extending the Household Support Fund, uprating benefits and the State Pension, while over one million households are set to be lifted out of fuel poverty through the biggest potential boost to home energy standards in history.”