28 November 2008
Many of the UK's pensioners are concerned about how they will stay warm this winter, according to new research by Age Concern.
The charity found that two out of three older people are worried about heating their homes thanks to increases in gas and electricity bills.
It points out that official figures show there were 22,400 excess winter deaths of older people last year and warns that this figure could rise in 2008.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "It is a national scandal that we have a higher number of excess winter deaths than every other country in Europe."
The charity is calling on the government to help pensioners who are struggling to heat their homes by cracking down on "unfair" energy pricing.
It is also urging pensioners to make sure they claim all the benefits they are entitled to and to shop around for better deals on gas and electricity.
Indeed, it points out that some older people may be eligible for discounted social tariffs.
A survey by the British Gas Help the Aged Partnership found recently that 4.5 million elderly people plan to heat just one room in their home this winter to cut their bills.