MP Urges Struggling Households To Seek Help Over Cold Homes

During the winter of 2007-2008 there were 60 excess winter deaths in Teignbridge many of which were due to conditions caused or worsened by cold weather.

Most of these deaths occur in the pensioner population who are more vulnerable to poor health from living in a cold damp home, particularly when they turn their heating off too early in order to save money on their fuel bills. Around one in eight households in Teignbridge live in fuel poverty where a household spends more than 10% of its income after housing costs on energy.

On February 12th National Energy Action (NEA), the charity that campaigns for warmer homes, is holding National Fuel Poverty Awareness Day, sponsored by EDF Energy. It aims to highlight the effects on people's health of living in a cold home and to put out the positive message that support is available.

Backing the day is Teign MP Richard Younger-Ross who said "it is important that people know there are schemes in place to help them, to ensure they are keeping warm and healthy throughout the winter period and for as long as the cold weather lasts.

"I urge everyone who is concerned about their fuel bill to contact their energy supplier or to call the Home Heat helpline on 0800 336699 to access help and advice on staying warm when it is cold, without the fear of fuel debt and ill health."

Note:

Around 17% of pensioners in Teignbridge are claiming pension credit which equates to 5,770 pensioners. (figures supplied by NEA)