Number of pensioners in relative poverty in UK up 200,000 in a year

Report highlights inequalities in older age groups, and raises concerns for people nearing retirement age

One in five pensioners - more than 2 million people - are living in relative poverty in the UK, an increase of more than 200,000 in the past year alone, according to a comprehensive review of national data.

The Centre for Ageing Better's annual State of Ageing report, published on Thursday, says inequalities within older generations are some of the most extreme in society today: the wealth of the richest 20% doubled between 2002 and 2018, while that of the poorest 20% fell by 30%.