Urgent action is needed to improve health outcomes and support the most vulnerable people who are at most risk of needless death and morbidity. Public Health England (PHE) recently warned there is a clear overlap between cold homes and Covid-19 and it is more important than ever that the most vulnerable members of society can afford to live in a warm, safe home.
While we agree with the 9 main outcomes, we believe that there should be a specific outcome that addresses affordable warmth and energy efficient safe homes. This should also include a specific objective to address the scandalous rates of Excess Winter Deaths (EWD) in NI. Our most recent figures 2017-18, show an increase of 130% since 2015-16. The total number of EWD for 2017-18 were 1,500. This will undoubtedly have increased due to Covid-19.
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