Afraid of the Cold

DANGERS

The number of people dying from effects of the cold in Wales could double this year, campaigners have warned.

During an average winter, around 1,500 more people die than in other seasons.

Age Concern Cymru is worried many vulnerable people are frightened to turn their heating to proper levels because of high energy bills.

Meanwhile, the environment minister has said the assembly government will struggle to meet its target to end fuel poverty among the vulnerable by 2010.

"I think it's unlikely, with energy prices where they are, that we are going to meet those targets,"

Campaigners told the programme many vulnerable people were frightened to turn their heating on because of high energy bills.

They said the problem was worse in Wales because thousands of homes did not have access to mains gas and had to rely on expensive heating oil.

Last year, gas bills went up by an average of 50%, with electricity costs increasing by 28%.

LEFT IN THE COLD

Official recommendations say people should keep their main room at around 21C.

But the programme found Pam Price, 75, of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, living in a room heated to 13C.

Katherine Green, a single mother-of-three from Aberbargoed, Caerphilly county, had her living room at 14C.

Fuel poverty is defined as those who spend more than 10% of their income heating their homes.

Campaigners told the programme many vulnerable people were frightened to turn their heating on because of high energy bills.

"I think it's terrifying, that despite all the services on board that this figure is rising - and it begs the question, are we reaching the vulnerable in Wales who need our support?" says Ros Williams, of Age Concern Cymru.

REACTION

The environment minister Jane Davidson said the assembly government could struggle to meet its fuel poverty targets.

"Between 2008 and 2011 there will be some £275m going into energy efficiency in Wales - that's unparalleled in our history.

"That's money from retailers and the Welsh Assembly Government. I am committed to doing as much as I can, and if we are unable to meet our target it won't be through lack of trying from the assembly government."

Earlier this year, Scottish and Southern Energy - which owns the Swalec brand - and British Gas announced they would cut their bills.

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