Warning of high levels of winter deaths

Responding to today’s publication by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) of the excess winter deaths for last winter, Simon Hopkins, Chief Executive of poverty charity Turn2us, said:

“This isn’t just a shocking statistic, it’s a tragic reminder that even in modern Britain people die because they simply don’t have the money to allow them to stay warm. Yet so much help that is available goes untapped, from the state, from charities and from energy providers.

“Much more needs to be done to prevent people from dying because they can’t afford to heat their homes properly. That means making sure that people are receiving the help that they are entitled to and eligible for, such as the Winter Fuel Payment and grants that can help people with fuel bills and energy efficiency."

Turn2us is urging anyone who struggles to heat their home to check what benefits they are entitled to and grants that they are eligible for at Turn2us.org.uk. It also says that some energy companies have set up charitable trusts to help customers pay for fuel arrears.