LANGUAGE barriers, mistrust of government and a lack of awareness of financial support are leaving older people from ethnic minorities in poverty, a charity has warned.

Independent Age stressed some senior citizens are facing “unique barriers which must be overcome” as it urged Tory ministers to proactively target support at a wider range of communities.

The organisation also repeated calls for England and Scotland to follow the lead of Labour-run Wales and appoint a commissioner for older people and ageing to “ensure a diverse range of voices in later life are championed.”