More than 25,000 elderly die of cold as fuel poverty hits one in four pensioner households

Last winter's cold weather claimed more than 25,000 lives - the highest for four years, a report revealed yesterday.

The deaths, which came amid soaring fuel costs, were up 7 per cent on the previous year and are the highest in Europe.

The vast majority - 22,400 - were among pensioners, millions of whom are in fuel poverty, having to choose between heating and eating.

Charities said the deaths were a 'national scandal' and warned that this winter, which is forecast to be colder, would see even more deaths.

Gas costs have surged by 50 per cent in a year and electricity by a third, adding around £400 to annual bills.

A survey by Age Concern found two-thirds of pensioners are cutting back on the amount of gas and electricity they are using. On Monday, Chancellor Alistair Darling announced an extra £60 at Christmas to help with winter fuel payments for pensioners – but campaigners said it was not enough.  continues here

Forgive me for saying but aren’t our government guilty of murder, sending £825m in aid to India, to lift "hundreds of millions of people" out of poverty, whilst some 25,000 people, who paid in that money in tax, die of cold , further, is not withholding the money akin to theft. Perhaps one day you may ponder the words of nationalists, as you sit freezing to death in your own home, whilst politicians hold parties in grace and favour homes and immigrants pick your countries corpse. 14

Related Posts by Categories