Halton Borough Council and its partners launched an Affordable Warmth Strategy to tackle ill-health and excess winter deaths caused by fuel poverty and living in cold homes.
The launch event was opened by the Mayor of Halton, Cllr Ged Philbin, joined by other local councilors.
The strategy is supported by fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) as part of its national Warm Homes Campaign.
Maria Wardrobe, Director of Communications and External Relations at NEA, said: “Fuel poverty is a serious and growing concern, with around 5,000 households in Halton unable to afford to heat their homes and several people dying needlessly every year in Halton due to the cold during the winter months.
“Through the Warm Homes Campaign we hope to improve the life chances of residents who are struggling with their fuel bills and ensure they can stay warm and healthy in their homes.”
Cllr Marie Wright, Halton Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said: “It is important for individuals and families to always keep their homes warm. Being too cold can worsen existing health conditions such as asthma. It could also lead to something more serious such as a stroke or heart attack.
“The people more at risk of being harmed by living in cold home and those aged over 65, children under five, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions, those with a weak immune system and people with a disability. With this strategy we aim to support all households in Halton to achieve the heating levels they need to maintain comfort and good health, at an affordable cost.”
For more details visit www.haltonhealthimprovement.co.uk/WinterWarmth for more details of the organisations and helplines available to help with keeping your home warm and healthy.