'If this report represents a bleak picture of the UK economy, it delivers a truly skinflint package for the UK's older citizens.

'Squeezed by high inflation on basic goods and services, especially fuel, older people were desperately looking for substantial help this winter - but the chilling message from the Chancellor is ‘keep struggling’.

'The chilling message from the Chancellor is ‘keep struggling’'

'The small cash increases are welcome, but other opportunities to support older people with public investment programmes have been neglected.

'Where is the investment in housing grants such as the Disabled Facilities Grant, which would be a platform for better domiciliary care services and support the building industry at the same time?  

'Where is the funding to stimulate telecare, which could likewise help meet social care needs and also build a new high-tech industry for Britain?  

'The Government has squandered this chance to support win-win programmes'

'The Government has squandered this chance to support win-win programmes which older people would have seen as supporting their needs.'

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