An elderly woman at age 87 recently died from hypothermia because she could not afford home heating. An inquest was heard concerning the case.
An Elderly Pensioner Unable To Afford A Home Heater Died From Hypothermia
On December 11th, 2022, Barbara Bolton was admitted to Fairfield Hospital. She had hypothermia as well as a chest infection. A decision was made to place her on the end of life care and she died on January 5th. Last week, Bolton’s inquest was opened at Rochdale Coroner’s Court .
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Details Of The Inquest
The inquest was adjourned by Julie Mitchell, who is the assistant Coroner for Manchester North. Statements from Bolton’s doctor and the medical cause of death were requested. Mitchell shared that Bolton’s death was caused by accelerated hypothermia. It was also caused by possible neglect of self due to a lack of home heating. Bolton’s death was then referred to the coroner. Hypothermia is caused by extended exposure to extremely cold temperatures and living in a cold house among others.
Bolton’s Son And Neighbors Speak On The Tragic Loss
Per Daily Mail , after the inquest, Bolton’s son, Mark stated that they saw and spoke to her every day before the incident. He continued that it was hard for him and his family to deal with the tragic loss.
Her Neighbors Expressed Their Sadness
Some neighbors of Bolton who also live on Dawson Street in Bury spoke on the sad loss. One man said it was sad because Bolton lived there for five decades. Another woman said Bolton was nice but kept to herself recently. Later this year, a full inquest will take place at Rochdale Coroner’s Court. The inquest will address the circumstances which caused Bolton’s death.
Exact Time For The 2023 State Pension Increase
According to Metro , by April this year, the State Pension will increase by 10.1%. This will be in line with the triple lock which has been since 2010. The state pension rise is always determined by the triple lock every year. This will be determined by the rate of inflation in September of the previous year. Also, by the average earnings between May and July of the previous year and 2.5%.
Statistics Concerning The Payment Of Pension
The figures obtained from September last year put inflation at 10.1%. This is higher than 2.5% and the wage increase was 5.2%. From April henceforth, an extra £19 a week will be added for pensioners who receive the New State Pension. Pensioners who receive the Basic State Pension will get an extra £14 a week. This is for pensioners who reached the State Pension age before April 2022.
The Current Pension Age And When The Age Will Rise
The age at which people can receive a state pension is always changed for longer life expectancy. Currently, the state pension age for men and women is 66 years. However, in 2028, it will increase to 67 years. By 2046, the age is to increase to 68 but the government wants to move it forward to 2035.
No Changes Have Taken Effect
This change will affect those presently aged 54 and under. However, the Department for Work and Pensions said no changes have been made yet. They continued that a review is being made to know if the change is needed.
