There were 240 Excess Winter Deaths in Enfield & Haringey during 2016/2017, the most recent data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed. This marks and increase of 60 deaths when compared to the same period in the previous year. Local London Assembly Member, Joanne McCartney AM, has warned that the rise could continue unless “significant action is taken to improve housing standards and address fuel poverty in London”.
Regional level figures for 2017/2018 have also been released provisionally by the ONS showing that there were 4,200 Excess Winter Deaths across London. This is an increase of 23%, compared to 2016/2017.
The ONS attributes the majority of Excess Winter Deaths to respiratory diseases. A study by the charities National Energy Action and E3G, published earlier this year, has also shown fuel poverty and cold homes to be prevalent underlying factors.
City Hall is taking action on cold homes and fuel poverty by investing £2.5 million into its Warmer Homes scheme, which enables landlords, renters and homeowners (who meet qualifying criteria) to bid for up to £4,000 of funding to install heating and insulation measures.
Local London Assembly Member, Joanne McCartney AM, said:
“It is extremely concerning to see this increase in Excess Winter Deaths locally, and unacceptable that so many Londoners this winter will be trapped in cold homes.
“This is a deep and entirely preventable social injustice. Sadly, this tragic rise is likely to continue, unless significant action is taken to improve housing standards and address fuel poverty in the capital.
“Work is being undertaken at City Hall to tackle these issues, but it clear that we now need more support from the Government. I would also urge all homeowners, tenants and landlords whose properties are insufficiently insulated to bid for City Hall’s Warmer Homes scheme funding.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The most recent data from the Office of National Statistics shows that there were 240 Excess Winter Deaths in Enfield & Haringey during 2016/2017;
- This marks an increase of 60 deaths when compared to the same period in the previous year;
- Regional level figures for 2017/2018 have also been released provisionally by the ONS show that there were 4,200 Excess Winter Deaths across London. This is an increase of 23%, compared to 2016/2017;
- The Office of National Statistics attributes the majority of Excess Winter Deaths to respiratory diseases;
- A study by the charities National Energy Action and E3G, published in February 2018, has also shown fuel poverty and cold homes to be underlying factors;
- City Hall is taking action on cold homes and fuel poverty by investing £2.5 million into its Warmer Homes scheme, which enables landlords and homeowners (who meet qualifying criteria) to bid for up to £4,000 of funding to install heating and insulation measures;
- Joanne McCartney AM is the London Assembly Member for Enfield & Haringey