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Older people living on benefits struggle to pay for basic necessities and cut back on food when times are hard, a new report reveals.

Hard Times, a study of 50 over 70s living on benefits, shows that they view food as a flexible commodity, buying less in order to pay bills or buy presents for their grandchildren. Many spend less than £4 a day on food with one respondent spending just £2.56.

The report, by the Centre for Policy on Ageing for Nestle Family Monitor, reveals that some older people who have incomes just above subsistence level are trapped in poverty because they fail to qualify for some benefits.

Over a third of the respondents received a small occupational pension but, as they did not qualify for full benefits such as council tax and housing benefit, were left with less disposable income than those qualifying for minimum income guarantee.

The study shows that low income limits social activity and interaction. Community groups were the main sources of contact, offering lunches, activities and outings. Poor health and fear of crime also restricted social activity.

The report suggests raising the state retirement pension, to help those in the poverty trap and also overcome the problem of people who are deterred from claiming benefit, as it would be given as a right.

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