PENSIONERS in Scotland need targeted action to prevent 20,000 more to be plunged into poverty by 2031, a leading charity has warned.

The number of older people in poverty is set to reach 180,000 by the end of the next Scottish parliament, according to new analysis by Independent Age.

This is up from its current record of 160,000, about one in every seven pensioners in the country.

Ahead of the Holyrood elections in May, the charity called for the creation of a pensioner poverty strategy and action to reduce energy bills.

It urged parties to back its demands in a manifesto it has launched today.

They include committing to reducing pensioner poverty, a decent and dignified social security system and guaranteeing the right to a secure and affordable home.

The research found that 63 per cent of pensioners feel unrepresented by the Scottish government.

One in three older households is currently in fuel poverty, with renters making up 45 per cent of the older people in poverty.

Almost one in four who rent privately say housing costs are becoming unaffordable, and more than a third of older carers have skipped meals because of financial difficulties, it said.

Scotland policy and public affairs manager at Independent Age Debbie Horne said: “In a wealthy and compassionate society, no older person should have to live in poverty.

“We need urgent action. The older people in Scotland that we speak to tell us they don’t have enough to live on.

“Pensioner poverty is at the highest point in nearly 20 years in Scotland, and rising. This cannot be allowed to continue.”

The Scottish government has been approached for comment.