CampaignsFuel poverty60% increase in fuel bills causing thousands of winter deaths 60% increase in fuel bills causing thousands of winter deaths
05/12/2007
There were 22,300 excess winter deaths of older people last year. And with a colder winter predicted for this year, older people are being urged to claim the all the benefits they can to stay warm.
With the average fuel bill having risen by over 60% in the last four years, and further price hikes likely in the New Year, many older people are worrying about affording high fuel bills. The average bill has risen from £572 in 2003, when the current Winter Fuel Payments were established, to £924 today. Yet by not heating their home adequately older people could be putting their health at risk with cold-related illnesses such as pneumonia.
Yet, say campaigners, many older people are unaware that in addition to fuel payments, they may be able to claim help with energy efficiency, insulation and heating improvements - and some men aged 60-65 may also be missing out on the Winter Fuel Payment because it isn’t paid automatically to them as they aren’t yet receiving their State Pension.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, says: “Older people shouldn’t have to worry about health versus wealth. We would urge any older person who is finding it difficult to pay their fuel bills to contact their nearest Age Concern for a free benefits check.”
Currently in the UK:
• Nearly 90% of all excess winter deaths are of people over the age of 65.
• Almost one in three older people live in homes with inadequate heating or insulation making their homes more difficult to heat and/or keep warm.
• More than 1 in 4 people living in fuel poverty are over 70 years old
• Average annual energy bills are now almost £1,000. This will absorb 16% of the income of a single pensioner dependent on the pension credit minimum guarantee and in receipt of the £200 Winter Fuel Payment.
Age Concern is urging people to get in touch to find out what they can claim this winter. You can call their free information line on 0800 00 99 66.
To find out if you could save money by switching your energy supplier, click the link below.