Huhne warns of winter deaths from cold

4.04.07pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 17th Nov 2005

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne warned that the expected harsh winter could cause many old people to die because they cannot afford to heat their home.

Backing a campaign to highlight the plight of households unable to heat their homes properly, Mr Huhne pointed out that about 40 people a year in his own Eastleigh constituency died because of the cold on average in each winter over the period between 1998 and 2003 mainly among old people living in poverty.

"This year could be far worse because the weather is expected to be colder than at any time for eight years. In addition, the most vulnerable are facing sharply higher fuel prices. It is a dangerous combination" said Mr Huhne.

The Warm Homes campaign is the annual winter campaign organised by energy efficiency charity National Energy Action (NEA). The campaign aims to cut the number of excess winter deaths and reduce cold-related illnesses by raising awareness of those who cannot afford to heat their homes properly in winter.

Chris Huhne MP said: "About 20 per cent of old people in Eastleigh are on pensioner credit, and another important slice should get pensioner credit but do not. These are the most vulnerable groups in any cold winter because they simply do not have the cash to heat their homes to a high enough standard to keep away illness and chill".

"We need to tackle low incomes and the poor energy efficiency standards in much of our older housing so that no-one has to worry about the cost of heating their home.

"No-one should have to spend the winter in a cold, damp home because they can't afford to put the heating on. That is why I am supporting this campaign to end fuel poverty" said Mr Huhne.

More than 7 per cent of households in Eastleigh are unable to afford to heat their homes fully, and the cold is linked to cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and strokes, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. The elderly, families with young children, people with disabilities and others on low incomes are particularly at risk from the dangers of cold homes.

Mr Huhne pointed out that there is a Keep Warm Keep Well helpline on 0800 085 7000 that gives information and advice on keeping warm in winter, how to claim benefits, and energy efficiency grants.

For a Warm Homes Campaign press pack, contact Alice Steel, NEA press officer, on 0191 261 5677 or alice.steel@nea.org.uk