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Heat or Eat Fears for Elderly
Evening Telegraph
Scotland
September 19, 2005
Predictions of one of the coldest winters in decades and soaring energy bills is putting the lives of elderly people at great risk, Age Concern Dundee has warned, writes Bryan Kay.
The combination of British Gas announcing a price hike of 14.2% and a predicted plummet in temperatures has led Dundee-based advocacy officer Ian Borthwick to express fears many pensioners may be facing up to a freezing winter.
He described the situation as disgraceful and called for more help for vulnerable elderly people who may be facing a straight choice between "heating and eating".
"This is putting elderly people in a precarious position," said Mr Borthwick. "We know already that in 2002-03 that 2500 elderly people died as a result of cold-related illness.
They had pre-existing conditions and the cold aggravated this.
"We at Age Concern have acute concerns regarding the impact of illnesses and cold weather on these people. While we recognise the government has extra winter fuel payments, this falls far short.
"It is absolutely disgraceful that old people have to worry themselves about adequate levels of warmth in their homes.
"I think it could be quite critical for Scottish pensioners this year because this 14.2% is all year.
"It is important for relatives, neighbours and friends to exercise a caring oversight with old people they feel may be at risk.
"It could come down to a decision between heating and eating. I know the government has the extensive central heating programme, but people have to be able to run their system."
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said today winter fuel payments for the elderly would again be paid in November and December. Households with an individual over 60 receive £200 and over 80 it rises to £300.
When asked whether the amount awarded was adequate with a potentially severe winter ahead, a DWP spokesman pointed to supplementary payments.
"There are also cold weather payments made to the poorest and most vulnerable in society when the temperature falls below zero," he said.
"We are also working on other improvements with the Scottish Executive and other bodies, so it is not just about the winter fuel payments to help pay bills."
According to the DWP, 1.6 million cold weather payments were made in 2003 and the majority were in Scotland.
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