Lib Dems To Launch "Material Deprivation Indicator" For Older People

The Liberal Democrats will attempt to move on from their polling setback of last week by unveiling a “material deprivation” indicator for pensioners.

The system will assess the quality of life of older people, including whether they socialise, if they get one good meal a day, or whether they could pay an unexpected £200. Pensions minister Steve Webb will announce the scheme, which will also ask if elderly people have access to 15 experiences, goods or services which are seen as “discriminators of deprivation”.

The indicator – with echoes of David Cameron’s “wellbeing index” – will look at factors such as the ability to take a holiday away from home, or to replace a cooker, have a haircut or go out and socialise at least one time in a month.

Latest figures indicate that 900,000 – some 11 percent – of pensioners are materially deprived.

Mr Webb said that the Lib Dems were piloting ways to help the elderly overcome social isolation, adding: “Material deprivation is more complicated than income alone. Some people lack everyday things many of us take for granted and financial causes are not the only reason why. This indicator raises important questions about how we go beyond the issue of income to help transform lives.”

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