Energy price rises mean more Cumbrian elderly may die early - health chief

Rising energy prices could lead to more elderly people dying in Cumbria this winter, a health boss fears.

Professor John Ashton, NHS Cumbria’s public health director, said he is “very worried” that vulnerable residents will suffer because they can’t afford to heat their homes.

Last year in Cumbria there were about 300 ‘excess winter deaths’ – the number directly attributed to the harsh winter weather.