The Office of National Statistics has today revealed figures showing that 36,700 people died during last year's cold spell - more than 90% of this total were pensioners. That total represents the number of deaths which occurred during December, January and February, which are the three coldest months of the year. When compared with last years figures for the same period it shows an increase of almost 50%, or around 10,000 more fatalities.
The total number of deaths in the three months up to February 2009 was the highest it has been for a number of years and has led to fresh appeals for further help and assistance for those most in need and for the government ,and devolved administrations, to tackle the high cost of fuel.
Whilst the figures quoted relate only to deaths which occurred in England and Wales it is likely that the same trend has occurred here in Northern Ireland, as this region has the highest rate of Fuel Poverty within the UK.
Whilst the level of seasonal flu had only been "moderate" last year, the Office of National Statistics pointed out that temperatures during that period had been the coldest since 2005. According to Met Office statistics the average temperature was just 3 Degrees C, half a degree lower than usual. This extremely cold weather, when coupled with the spike experienced in fuel prices at around the same time, combined to make a bad situation worse. The high cost of fuel has hit low income homes hard. The number of households in "fuel poverty" – defined as having to spend 10 per cent or more of their income on power and heat – has risen five-fold in the past six years with some 6.6 million households now falling into this category.
From a Citizens Advice point of view any increase in the death rate which can be wholly or partly attributed to Fuel Poverty is deeply concerning. Lauren Kerr, Information and Policy Officer with Citizens Advice in Belfast said "More needs to be done within government to ensure that assistance, whether it be financial or practical in nature is given to those who find themselves in Fuel Poverty, especially as we again approach the coldest months of the year." She added "Whilst, through the provision of the Winter Fuel Payment, some financial assistance is available, it is not currently being sufficiently targeted to ensure that it is having the maximum possible effect"
In addition to the Winter Fuel payment for pensioners, the Warm Homes Scheme is currently operating and is open to people of any age who are owner-occupiers or private tenants if they, or their partner with who they live, receive :
- income support, income related employment support allowance, income based jobseeker’s allowance, pension credit, disability living allowance, attendance allowance, housing benefit, rate rebate; or
- child tax credit with an NHS Tax Exemption Certificate; or
- working tax credit.
The scheme can provide insulation, energy advice and the installation of new heating systems, where no operational system is in place.
Anyone who thinks that they are eligible and would like assistance to apply or who would like to check their eligibility should contact their local Citizens Advice Bureau.