AP UK WinterYou couldn't blame British citizens for dreaming of global warming these days.

A huge proportion of elderly British now find themselves in fuel poverty as a result of very cold winters and, undoubtedly, an insufficient supply of energy resources.

Oil Fired Up: Andrew Harrop, Head of Policy at Age Concern and Help the Aged, said, 'Icy roads and pavements are making many older people prisoners in their homes, frightened to venture out through fear of falling and leaving them feeling isolated and lonely. With older people being one of the groups most at risk during this cold snap, we are delighted Ministers made the time to call in on a group of pensioners in south London.

'We are concerned that prolonged cold weather and high energy bills could create the perfect storm for hard-up older people this winter, causing hardship, illness and isolation. Following the huge spike in excess winter deaths among older people last winter, there is a risk the number of pensioners suffering from cold-related illnesses could increase further, contributing to a higher rate of excess winter deaths.

'Many older people will be worried about paying even higher energy bills to heat their homes. With 1 in 3 pensioner households already in fuel poverty, a long and cold winter could push this figure even higher.


Mr. Weir, MP for Angus said, "This has not just been a cold snap, but a sustained period of freezing weather which seems set to continue and the UK government must take immediate action to help vulnerable households.

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