The Office of National Statistics has today published figures on the number of excess winter mortalities in England and Wales during 2013/14. It is estimated that 2,111 (11.6%) of the 18,200 deaths were caused by the impacts of living in a cold home. Commenting on the report, Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at Uswitch.com, says: “Today’s figures are shocking and clearly illustrate that fuel poverty remains a serious problem for many. It’s totally unacceptable that people are feeling forced to choose between their health and being able to afford energy.
“Our research reveals that 15 million households are once again planning to ration energy this winter to deal with sky-high bills. Alarmingly, over a third (36%) who cut back last year said it had compromised their health or quality of life.
“Wholesale energy costs continue to fall and so energy companies must now do all they can to lower prices and make a real difference to those in greatest need.”
Jason Wakeford
Phone: 0203 872 5612
Email: jason.wakeford@uswitch.com
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Research conducted by YouGov from 17th to 27th October 2014, amongst 5,262 UK energy consumers (aged 18+). The figures have been weighted.
In response to: ‘Which ONE of the following statements BEST applies to you?’, 35.54% of energy consumers said I am already cutting back on the amount of energy I use to make my bills cheaper and 21.94% said I am planning to cut back on the amount of energy I use this winter to make my bills cheaper. 35.54% + 21.94% = 57.48% of energy consumers who have already reduced, or plan to reduce, their consumption over the winter months to save money. There are 26.4 million households in the UK according to ONS. 57.48% (number who already are, or are planning to ration their use of energy this winter) of the total number of households is. 15,174,720.
Research referred to was conducted with the Uswitch.com Consumer Opinion Panel amongst 1,021 respondents in January 2014. In response to: ‘Do you think you’re achieving the right balance this winter between keeping your home warm and managing costs?’ 36% said ‘No – the cutbacks I’m making are affecting my quality of life and/or health.’
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