The Government must take urgent action to prevent a repetition of the 31,000 deaths linked to cold weather last winter, warned UNISON, the UK’s largest union today (26 November).
As new figures show that the “excess winter deaths” in England and Wales rose by 29% Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said:
“The Government cannot cross its fingers and hope for a milder winter, it must take action now. The big 6 energy companies need reining in. Prices are rising at the same time as profits are growing.
“It’s a national disgrace that elderly people are dying in this country because they are too frightened to put on their heating.
“Instead of attacking vital measures to improve home insulation, the Government should take positive action today and invest in a national programme to make homes truly energy efficient. We need a street by street approach to home insulation, using the switchover from town to natural gas as a blueprint.
“This would help to create jobs, save energy and stimulate economic growth as well as creating a lasting legacy.”
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