40 ‘unnecessary’ deaths as a result of fuel poverty

Latest figures show that in 2006/07 there were 40 deaths in Rochdale as a direct result of fuel poverty.

Further statistics, released by energy watchdog ‘Customer Focus’, also show that nearly 20% of residents in Rochdale suffer from fuel poverty.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen will use the 'shock' figures when discussing Private Member’s Bill in Parliament tomorrow.

“These figures should alarm the Government and it’s clear that fuel poverty is getting worse not just in Rochdale but across the country, especially with pensioners," he said. "The fact that nearly 1 in 5 are affected should be a wake up call.

"It was only last year that figures I obtained showed that E.On spent seven times more sponsoring the FA Cup than helping its elderly customers stay warm. Energy companies should start putting people before hefty profits and end the scandal of people choosing to turn their heating off to save cash.”