ColdHomes image for winter deaths story

‘Take action to stop winter deaths’

“We must take action to stop winter deaths,” says Stewart Clements, director of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC), as the industry prepares to throw its support behind Cold Homes Week (1-5 February 2016).

During Cold Homes Week, Age UK is calling on the government to reform its energy efficiency schemes to enable all older people to live in a warm home. Last year, 40,800 older people in England and Wales died from the cold.

Mr Clements continued: “During Cold Homes week we will be calling on the government to take a closer look at how we can better target those in need of support from schemes such as ECO. We want energy suppliers to work more closely with community leaders and local authorities. GP surgeries are crucial in helping to identify vulnerable people.

“We also want action taken to support the installation of energy efficient products, such as new controls and boilers, as these are proven ways to use less energy, reduce fuel bills and therefore help tackle fuel poverty.”

• Support #ColdHomesWeek during 1- 5 February and help persuade politicians to make UK homes super energy efficient.

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