Request from Greenpeace yesterday: “This morning the latest winter death figures were released – 25,700 lives needlessly lost last winter from cold related illnesses. And with energy bills rising I fear there will be even more people living in fuel poverty this winter. That’s why we’re teaming up with the National Pensioners’ Convention. We agree that we can put an end to the tragedy of fuel poverty and create an environmentally sustainable way of heating and powering our homes.
Next week,GeorgeOsbornewill release his mid-year update on the economy and he could take action to end fuel poverty. But in his last budget, the chancellor cut measures to help pensioners and improve energy efficiency. That is why we need your help now to force him to reinstate the winter fuel allowance and restore funding for home insulation that’s been cut to help tackle fuel poverty and protect future generations from the impacts of climate change. That’s something worth fighting for.
These steps would also save the country money. At the moment, the cost to the NHS of those who are treated for the effects of cold homes is £850 million. It defies logic to pay to treat the health impacts of people living in fuel poverty when we could use that expenditure to reduce the burden on the NHS, improve people’s lives, reduce carbon emissions and create jobs.
Today is the first step in what I hope will become a huge campaign to reduce fuel poverty, improve energy efficiency and cut the number of excess winter deaths. It’s a campaign that offers real solutions based on economic fairness and environmental protection. Please join us in this campaign by writing to your MP calling for support to end fuel poverty and reduce climate damaging emissions, improving people’s lives now and for future generations.”