100 lives could be lost this winter in North Somerset

12.00.00am GMT Mon 4th Dec 2006

A senior health official has warned that the lives of thousands of elderly people are at risk because they cannot afford to heat their homes - including as many as 100 here in North Somerset.

Rod Griffiths of the Faculty of Public Health has warned that there would be "a lot more deaths, unnecessary deaths, because people cannot afford the fuel".

His comments have been endorsed by charities Age Concern and Help The Aged. A survey by Help The Aged showed that millions of pensioners are being hit hard by rising fuel costs and unfair council tax bills.

In the run up to the 2005 General Election, the Government gave a £200 rebate on council tax bills to pensioners, but this was later withdrawn.

Councillor Mike Bell, Weston's Prospective Liberal Democrat MP, commented: "Soaring fuel bills mean that many pensioners will be burning through their money this winter when temperatures drop.

"More than 20,000 people over the age of 65 die as a direct result of the cold every year. As many as 100 older and vulnerable people in North Somerset could die this winter. That is a national disgrace.

"Urgent action is required to prevent this tragic death toll. The Government must boost the Winter Fuel Payment and bring back the council tax rebate to help those in most need, and they must do so now."