Pensioner plight

However, it must also be remembered that a mixture of rising inflation, falling stock markets and low interest rates are taking their toll on the finances of older people.

This is borne out by the number of Yorkshire senior citizens whose level of indebtedness, and subsequent repayments, outstrips the amount that they receive through their state pension. There are many reasons for this, not least the diminishing value of any investments that they may have made in more prosperous times.

Given this backdrop, it makes it even more futile that established advice centres are having their funding cut. Far from having their workload reduced, they are likely to see a sharp increase in their case work, and it is imperative that they remain at the core of David Cameron’s Big Society.

For, if they do not exist, who else can OAPs turn to in their hour of need?