Shocking Figures Show Devastating Rise in Winter Deaths

Shocking new figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a massive 49 per cent increase in excess winter deaths across England and Wales last year indicating an unwanted set back in the government's fight against fuel poverty.

Excess winter deaths (EWDs) record how many more deaths there are during winter months compared to the non-winter months of the year. The figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that 36,700 more people died last winter, up from 24,690 the winter before. The vast majority of these were aged over 75.

These extra deaths are due mostly to the effects of the cold weather on people in their homes, and pensioners account for the majority of EWDs.

The UK's leading fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), which is currently running its Warm Homes Campaign, is warning that a combination of high energy prices, low incomes and poor insulation will continue to pose a serious threat to the health of millions of people, especially pensioners, during the coming months.

Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive at NEA said: "The increase in excess winter deaths was sadly expected but remains extremely worrying. Last winter was the coldest in 10 years and the spells of severe weather combined with high energy prices had a devastating effect on vulnerable households.

"We continue to have one of the highest excess winter death rates in Europe, higher than many of our colder Scandinavian neighbours. The Government needs to step up action that will end these shameful statistics and comprehensibly tackle fuel poverty in the UK.

"We are calling for an extension of the Winter Fuel Payment to include other vulnerable households and not just those who are over 60. We are also pushing government to increase the budget for the Warm Front Scheme to £530 million next year. As it stands, the budget for 2010 is set to be cut  back by around 50% on this year's budget. I urge the Chancellor in his Pre-Budget Report on 9 December to increase support for the life saving heating and insulation measures available to low income households under this flagship programme.

"As part of NEA's fuel poverty winter awareness campaign Ed Miliband Secretary of State for Energy will be accompanying me on a visit this week to meet health workers in his constituency who are now skilled up to identify the symptoms of fuel poverty and refer them for practical help and advice to avoid the health dangers of cold damp homes.

"People need to be aware of the help that is available to them through the various grants and schemes from DECC, energy companies and our own Warm Zones where we have established these with local authorities. Pensioners in particular are often anxious to avoid debt and turn their heating down or even off, often unaware that they are putting their health in danger.  We strongly advise people who are worried about their heating bills to call the Home Heat helpline on 0800 33 66 99 to see what assistance they can get."

There are currently more than 5 million households who cannot afford to heat their homes, putting them at risk of serious health problems like heart disease, strokes, respiratory illnesses - such as asthma and bronchitis - and  exacerbating  common ailments like colds and flu as well as increasing the likelihood of falls and other accidents.

ENDS

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Press Enquiries: Lesley Tudor-Snodin, Press Officer at NEA on 0191 269 6107 or e-mail lts@nea.org.uk

Notes to the Editor

1. Excess winter deaths are defined by the Office for National Statistics as the difference between the number of deaths during the four winter months (December to March) and the average number of deaths during the preceding autumn (August to November) and the following summer (April to July).
2. The following regional EWD statistics are provided by NEA:

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