WINTER DEATH TOLL SHAME

8.00.00am GMT Thu 26th Nov 2009

"Old and vulnerable people should not have to worry about whether or not they can afford to heat their homes," said the Wrexham Liberal Democrat candidate Dr Tom Rippeth.

Commenting on ONS figures showing the number of extra deaths in Wales last winter had increased by a massive 67% when compared to 2007/2008.

The figure was the highest since 1999/2000 at around 2,300, Tom Rippeth

said: "Ministers should hang their heads in shame at these figures which are worse than many other European countries who face much colder weather.

"In a civilized society, old and vulnerable people should not have to worry about whether or not they can afford to heat their homes.

"When fuel bills threaten to wipe out the winter fuel payment, it is time for the Government to force energy suppliers to pass on lower wholesale energy prices in the form of reduced bills."

NOTES:

1) Office of national statistics shows number of pensioners dying during cold weather in Wales has risen from 1,370 in 2007/ 2008 to 2,300 for 2008/ 2009.

2) The rise in deaths reflects the big rise in fuel costs. In 2003/

2004 'average' annual domestic fuel bill was £543 whilst in 2008/ 2009 this figure had risen to £1,29