A CHARITY supporting older people in Clacks is calling on the government to double a payment seeking to ease the burden of rising energy bills.

The Food Train, which supports older people in Clackmannanshire and Stirling, is fearing for older people as the cost of living crisis begins to bite.

It said that older people in the area are buying less food so they can save money to heat their homes once the colder months roll in.

A charity making shopping delivers to people over 65 in the region, it is calling on the UK Government to double its Pensioner Cost of Living Payment.

The payment will go to those entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for 2022-23 in addition to any Cost of Living Payment they receive with benefits or tax credits.

Depending on the circumstances, people living alone will receive £500 if born between September 26, 1942 and 1956, or £600 if born before.

The Food Train has written to Scottish secretary Alister Jack to call on the government to double the amounts.

Michelle Carruthers, Food Train chief executive, said: "Our members are very worried about the winter ahead.

"Many have no idea how they'll cope. Some will have to juggle between keeping warm and keeping fed.

"This puts people's lives in danger. Without immediate action, alarming numbers of older people are going to be at greater risk of malnutrition and social isolation this winter, causing further health problems and putting further strain on our already under-pressure NHS.

"The reports we are hearing from our members are heartbreaking, alarming and unacceptable. Their concerns are clear and are growing.

"Doubling the new Pensioner Cost of Living Payment will go at least some way towards keeping the heating on and the cupboards stocked this winter."

The charity has surveyed members across Scotland and says it found that more than a quarter had started buying less food while about the same say they would struggle to pay their bills.

Others are simply going out less often to save money, placing them at an increased risk of social isolation.

A UK Government spokesperson said: "We know people are incredibly worried about rising energy bills, following unprecedented gas prices across the continent driven by global events, including Putin's aggression in Ukraine and his weaponisation of energy in Europe.

"We recognise the pressures pensioners are facing as a result of this and direct support will continue to reach people's pockets in the weeks and months ahead.

"All pensioner households will receive £300 to help them cover the rising cost of energy this winter, with those on Pension Credit getting a further £650 cost of living payment. This is in addition to the £150 council tax rebate and £400 discount on their energy bills.

"As the chancellor has said, we are also making the appropriate preparations in order to ensure that any additional support or commitments on cost of living can be delivered as quickly as possible when the new prime minister is in place."