Winter Cold Set to Freeze 70 Kingston Pensioners

11.05.11am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Dec 2006

Ed Davey MP chats to Hilda Sinclair

New figures obtained by Kingston and Surbiton MP, Edward Davey, suggest that up to 70 local pensioners may die unnecessarily this winter due to cold, poorly insulated homes and high fuel bills.

The Warm Homes Campaign produced these alarming figures, as they joined forces with Edward Davey MP, to raise awareness of special council grants available to pensioners across Kingston for everything from new energy efficient boilers and loft and cavity wall insulation. Edward joined the campaigners in an awareness-raising visit to Surbiton resident Hilda Sinclair who received a grant to keep her warm from Kingston Council's "Coldbusters" scheme. Commenting after the visit, Edward Davey MP said:

"These figures shocked and surprised me, but go to show what a serious problem poorly heated homes can be. We must do far more to improve insulation in our homes - to save lives, as well as to save money and the environment.

"It was a pleasure to meet Hilda and to hear about the free boiler and thermostatic radiator valves she was entitled to as part of Kingston Council's "Coldbusters" Scheme. I just hope more people apply for these grants, and we can persuade the Government to do far more to end the scandal of fuel poverty.

"By investing in better energy efficiency, Liberal Democrats believe we can create a win-win-win - saving lives, saving money and saving the environment."