Big increase in 'excess' deaths over region last winter

Nov 30 2009 by Alison Dayani, Birmingham Mail

NUMBERS of winter deaths in the region rose almost a third last year with 3,900 people being killed by the cold, latest official figures reveal.

It has prompted calls for pensioners to not put their lives in danger in a bid to save money on heating bills.

A total of 3,900 people died between November 2008 and February 2009 due to winter illnesses, up from 2,790 the winter before, according to the Office of National Statistics.

The extra deaths are due mostly to the effects of the cold weather on people in their homes with pensioners accounting for the majority of tragedies. Leading fuel poverty charity, National Energy Action (NEA), also said more than 445,500 households in the West Midlands could not afford to heat their homes this year, putting them at risk of serious health problems like heart disease, strokes, respiratory illnesses and flu.

Charity organisers warned that a combination of high energy prices, low incomes and poor insulation would continue to pose a serious threat to the health of millions of people, especially pensioners, during the coming months.

Jenny Saunders, Chief Executive at NEA, which is running a Warm Homes Campaign, said: “The increase in excess winter deaths was sadly expected but remains extremely worrying.

“Last winter was the coldest in ten years and the spells of severe weather combined with high energy prices had a devastating effect on vulnerable households.

“People need to be aware of the help that is available to them through the various grants and schemes.

“Pensioners in particular are often anxious to avoid debt and turn their heating down or even off, often unaware that they are putting their health in danger.”