UK Covid Inquiry: Hourglass Feedback
Hourglass Warns Spring Statement Risks Abandoning Older and Vulnerable People Amid Welfare Cuts
For immediate release: 27.03.2025
Hourglass Warns Spring Statement Risks Abandoning Older and Vulnerable People Amid Welfare Cuts
In response to yesterday’s Spring Statement, Hourglass — the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect of older people — today warns that the government risks turning its back on those most in need, with welfare changes that prioritise short-term savings over long-term wellbeing.
While the full implications of the Chancellor’s announcements will take time to assess, the direction of travel is deeply concerning. Proposals to tighten eligibility for benefits such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP), alongside a broader agenda of welfare cuts, threaten to leave thousands of older and vulnerable people behind.
Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass, said:
“This Spring Statement could have been a chance to invest in dignity, safety and stability for the UK’s ageing population. Instead, we see policies that undermine the very systems meant to protect our most vulnerable. Tightening benefit criteria and reducing support may balance books, but it risks unbalancing lives.”
The government’s framing of these cuts as a push toward employment fails to reflect the lived experience of many older people, carers and those managing chronic health conditions. Support like PIP isn’t a ‘lifestyle choice’ — it’s often the difference between independence and isolation, between health and harm. Hourglass calls for a rethink of the reforms announced, and a genuine commitment to social safety nets that value people of all ages — especially those who are most at risk of harm and abuse.
The statement comes as major policy changes to Employer’s National Insurance Contributions come into effect next week, hitting already hard-pressed charities who will struggle to recruit and retain frontline staff – the very people supporting older victim-survivors of abuse.
Richard Robinson added:
“These rises to Employer’s NIC, along with welfare changes, rising bills and frozen income thresholds, will push many older people into further insecurity. The cost of living crisis hasn’t ended for the people we support, and now it risks deepening for the organisations trying to help them. Raising revenue at the expense of the safeguarding workforce is short-sighted and we urge the Chancellor, even at this late stage, to please think again.”
ENDS
Hourglass is calling for anyone who is over 60 and experiencing abuse or are concerned about an older person to contact their 24/7 helpline on 0808 808 8141 or to visit their website at www.wearehourglass.org for more information and support.
The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.
Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.
Contact:
Veronica Gray
Deputy CEO and Director of Policy
Hourglass
Mobile: 07496 663816
Notes to editors
About Hourglass: Hourglass is a UK-wide charity with a presence in all four nations. It aims to protect and prevent the abuse of vulnerable older people by raising awareness of the issues, encouraging education and giving information and support to those in need. It has the only national freephone helpline dedicated to this cause, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0808 808 8141 for confidential support and information.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from abuse contact our 247 helpline
0808 808 8141
