New official figures from the UK Health Security Agency reveal that more than 2,500 people died in England in connection with cold weather last winter.
A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented:
“It’s truly shocking that more than 2,500 people died in connection with cold weather in winter 2024/25, most of them older people. It lays bare the awful reality that far too many pensioners are still trapped in cold, damp homes that put their health and lives at risk.
“Volatile gas prices, poor quality housing and a lack of adequate support have all contributed to this crisis. And in 2024/25 the situation was made worse by decisions to remove Winter Fuel Payments from many pensioners. We warned this would leave vulnerable older people exposed, and these figures show the deadly consequences of failing to protect those most at risk.
“These deaths also underline the need to go further with cold weather support. Cold Weather Payments too often arrive only after prolonged freezing conditions, when the damage is already being done. Support should be automatic and triggered in advance of forecast cold snaps, not weeks later.
“Ultimately, the only lasting way to stop people dying in cold homes is to tackle the root causes. That means targeted financial support for those most at risk, rapid upgrades to the coldest and leakiest homes through the Warm Homes Plan and wider reform of energy pricing so households are not left paying the price of volatile gas markets.
“No one should be facing another winter where staying warm is a matter of life and death.”
Jonathan Blades, from Asthma and Lung UK, said:
“Freezing temperatures can be particularly dangerous for people with lung conditions.
“Cold air can cause the airways to narrow, making breathing more difficult, it can also irritate the lungs and worsen symptoms of lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“This can also make it harder for the body to fight off respiratory infections such as colds and flu, which are still circulating.”