Response to Alan Milburn's social mobility report

“It's true that younger people are facing huge challenges in the current economic climate. But we must not forget that older people have also been affected. Many are struggling, despite having worked for decades, paid taxes and contributed to society. 1.6 million pensioners are living in poverty while 1.2 million are living in fuel poverty and struggle to stay warm.

“As a country we have made big strides in beginning to reduce the numbers of older people for whom retirement is extremely tough. It would be a tragedy to reverse those steps forward.”