More than 10,000 terminally ill Scots dying in poverty every year

More than 10,000 terminally ill people in Scotland are dying in poverty every year, a report by Marie Curie Scotland reveals. The charity estimates that 10,400 terminally ill individuals pass away in poverty annually, which translates to one in four working-age people and one in six pensioners. This marks an increase from one in eight pensioners facing poverty five years ago. Glasgow City has the highest proportion of working-age and pension-age individuals dying in poverty at the end of life in Scotland, according to the report.

The report, titled “Dying In Poverty 2024,” highlights that one in five terminally ill people are dying in fuel poverty in their last year of life, with many of them residing in social rented housing. It also points out that working-age people with dependent children, particularly single parents who are mostly women, are at a higher risk of poverty towards the end of their lives.

Marie Curie Scotland is urging both the UK and Scottish governments to take immediate action to alleviate the financial struggles faced by terminally ill individuals. Ellie Wagstaff, senior policy manager at Marie Curie Scotland, emphasises the urgency of reducing the financial burden on terminally ill people and calls for government intervention to provide support such as the Winter Heating Payment and the Scottish Child Payment.

The charity stresses the need for a social tariff to lift around 55,000 people in the UK, including in Scotland, out of fuel poverty at the end of life. Additionally, Marie Curie Scotland is advocating for actions to eliminate gender inequality by both the UK and Scottish governments, as well as employers.

In response, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville acknowledges the importance of palliative care and commits to carefully considering the report’s recommendations. The UK Government emphasises its support for individuals facing financial hardship due to health conditions and highlights efforts to increase benefits and address fuel poverty.

The report serves as a call to action for authorities to address the pressing issue of poverty among terminally ill individuals in Scotland and provides recommendations on how to alleviate the financial burden facing this vulnerable group.

My Insights:
The findings of the Marie Curie Scotland report shed light on the harsh reality faced by terminally ill individuals in Scotland. The statistics revealing the prevalence of poverty among those nearing the end of their lives are concerning, prompting a crucial discussion on the need for better support systems and interventions. It is essential for policymakers to heed the calls for action outlined in the report to ensure that terminally ill individuals are not left to suffer in poverty during their final days. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that considers the specific needs and vulnerabilities of this demographic to provide them with the dignity and comfort they deserve in their final moments.