Two in five Dutch pensioners are struggling to make ends meet, according to a survey by senior citizens’ advocacy group ANBO.

The poll also found that 30% of those with financial difficulties had no space for further belt-tightening.

Liane den Haan, director of ANBO, described the figures as ‘very worrying’ and said pensioners had been disproportionately hard hit by recent spending cuts. Pension increases have not been index-linked to inflation while excess charges for healthcare have risen sharply, a measure which is also more likely to affect older people.

‘The financial strain is particularly hard on pensioners with medium to high medical expenses,’ Den Haan said. ‘The loss of purchasing power has to stop.’

Anyone who lives or works in the Netherlands is entitled to a state pension (AOW) as well as a private pension through work. This state pension grants the pensioner a payment of between €700 and €1,000 per month.

40% of pensioners surveyed by ANBO would like to see this payment increased, but this is not currently on the table.

‘AOW increase is not a targeted measure,’ said den Haan. ‘The government should focus on those who are really in trouble, such as pensioners with high health care costs.’

A majority of pensioners surveyed would like to see income tax on pensions cut.

Petition

ANBO has launched a campaign on its website, where users can send ecards petitioning the government to address this issue.

‘We call on everyone to make their voice heard,’ Den Haan said. ‘[Social affairs] minister Asscher and deputy minister Klijnsma must turn the tide. Economic recovery should apply not only to workers but also to retirees.

Klijnsma told Nos that the government will consider the issue of spending power next summer. ‘The starting point is to balance spending power for everyone, including pensioners,’ she said.