THE elderly are at risk of dying in a cold snap due to last till January 8, the UK Health Security Agency warned yesterday.
It issued cold weather health alerts for all of England ahead of a week of low temperatures, the Morning Star reports.
The amber alerts say a rise in deaths, particularly of those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, is likely, it said.
Temperatures may fall as low as minus 8°C in southern Scotland and northern England, and minus 6°C in rural Wales and south-west England.
Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the freezing conditions would throw the government’s decision to remove the winter fuel allowance from millions of pensioners “into sharp relief.
“We urge older people to do everything they can to stay warm, even if that means risking spending more on their heating than they feel they can afford,” she said.
“The energy companies are under an obligation to help if you are struggling and there may be support available from your local council too.”
