More than 10,000 terminally ill people in Scotland are dying in poverty each year, according to a report by Marie Curie Scotland. The charity estimates that 10,400 terminally ill individuals pass away in poverty annually, representing one in four working-age people and one in six pensioners. This marks an increase from one in eight pensioners facing poverty five years ago. Glasgow City has the highest percentage of working-age and pension-age individuals dying in end-of-life poverty in Scotland, as per the report.
Marie Curie Scotland’s report, titled “Dying In Poverty 2024,” reveals that one in five terminally ill people are experiencing fuel poverty in their final year, with the majority residing in social rented housing. The charity highlights that working-age individuals with dependent children, particularly single parents (mostly women), are at a higher risk of poverty towards the end of their lives.
The charity is urging both the UK and Scottish governments to take immediate action to alleviate the financial strain on terminally ill individuals. Ellie Wagstaff, senior policy manager at Marie Curie Scotland, emphasised the need for support, stating that no one should have to worry about finances or heating their homes during their final days. The Scottish Government is called upon to automatically qualify terminally ill individuals for the Winter Heating Payment and Scottish Child Payment for parents with terminally ill children under 16.
Marie Curie Scotland also advocates for a social tariff to lift around 55,000 people, including those in Scotland, out of fuel poverty at the end of life. The charity is pressing for gender inequality to be addressed by the UK and Scottish Governments, along with employers. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality palliative care and supporting terminally ill individuals.
Both governments have been urged to introduce a social tariff mechanism to aid terminally ill individuals struggling with energy bills. The UK Government assured that rules are in place to provide support to those nearing the end of life, with benefits and state pensions being increased. The governments are encouraged to take swift action to implement necessary measures to support terminally ill individuals without delay.
In summary, the report by Marie Curie Scotland sheds light on the staggering number of terminally ill individuals living in poverty in Scotland and the urgent need for governmental action to alleviate the financial burden on those facing end-of-life challenges. The call for a social tariff to address fuel poverty and the push to eliminate gender inequality underscore the importance of prioritising support for vulnerable individuals during their most critical time.