UK: Pensioners cutting back on heating risk death, warns expert

As many as 20,000 more pensioners could die this winter as they try to cut back on heating following the sharp rise in energy prices, new research warned.

The large rises in heating costs has pushed an extra 750,000 pensioners into fuel poverty


But after this year’s price hikes, it is feared thousands more could perish as they try to save money.

And the report from ITV News warned that “if this winter is a colder than usual year that figure could rise even further”.

Dr Stirling Howieson from the University of Strathclyde, who carried out the research for ITV News, said: “Even if they were to keep one room at the recommended level of 21 degrees, and yet let other rooms fall below the recommended minimum of 18 degrees, they could potentially be putting their health at risk.”

Telegraph