Age UK statement in response to NHS leaders make ‘unprecedented move’ urging Government to act now on rising energy costs or risk rising population sickness and public health emergency

In response to the NHS Confed story -  NHS leaders make ‘unprecedented move’ urging Government to act now on rising energy costs or risk rising population sickness and public health emergency”

 Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said:

“When winter starts to bites, skyrocketing energy prices and plummeting temperatures will pose a real risk to many older people. The latest forecasts for energy bills are unprecedented and will be unaffordable for millions, including many pensioners who depend on their State Pension to make ends meet.

“It becomes harder to regulate our body temperature as we age and we become more vulnerable to the effects of the cold. At Age UK we fear that because fuel prices will be so high, some older people will skip meals and switch off their heating to try to save money, putting their health at serious risk. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that some could die as a result – and that’s something we would never say lightly.  

“With annual energy bills expected to more than double over the winter NHS leaders are right to raise the alarm. The impact on the health of their patients, particularly older people living with frailty and long term health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease,  and the consequences of piling avoidable demand on an already overstretched NHS and social care system, are truly frightening. This is an impending national emergency and needs to be treated as such with an immediate package of support.”