Energy help 'needed by the vulnerable' - 14/11/2011
Elderly and vulnerable people need as much help as possible to ensure they stay warm during the cold winter months as they struggle with rising gas and electricity prices, the director-general of Saga has warned.
Dr Ros Altmann states figures that show the UK has a higher winter death rate than most European countries are worrying.
She says: "We are aware that the UK has a much less energy efficient housing stock than most of Europe," adding this means older individuals are likely to need assistance.
Dr Altmann made her comments as Saga gave its backing to the Surviving Winter campaign, which allows pensioners who can afford to pay gas and electricity prices pass on their Winter Fuel Payments to those who are struggling.
The Payments Council has urged older people to check they aren't paying too much for their fuel, stating 38 per cent of those aged over 65 have not done so in the last year.
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