City’s central heating shock

Oct 26 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL has the highest percentage of pensioners living without central heating in England, latest government figures reveal.

According to the Department of Health, 28.8% of people over the age of 65 – or almost one in three – in the city do not have central heating.

While Liverpool tops the list, Knowsley is named fifth in the top 10 with the highest ratio of elderly people whose homes do not have central heating.

In Knowsley, 23.7% of pensioners’ homes do not have proper heating.

It comes as the department launched its annual Keep Warm Keep Well campaign urging pensioners to get ready for the cold winter weather ahead of the clocks going back an hour this weekend.

This year, the Department has created a map to show the areas with the highest levels of those living without central heating.

Last night Age Concern said the high number of homes without central heating was a result of Liverpool having an older housing stock than other areas.

The charity said the pattern was changing for the better, with more and more homes getting proper heating each year.

All council properties are being transferred to a housing association, Liverpool Mutual Homes, which has an obligation to upgrade the homes to meet a decent home standard, which includes central heating.

Health Minister, Ivan Lewis, said: “It is vital to look after yourself and stay warm and well during the cold winter months.

“Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing. There are millions of pounds of grants available for help with insulation and heating systems, and fuel payments to help older people, those on low incomes and disabled people.

“I urge people to plan ahead and find out what help is available and what measures they can adopt to ensure they are protected against the winter.”

Last night Local Solutions, a charity working to improve lives in Liverpool, said the report emphasised the need for project to keep the elderly warm.

Chief executive Stephen Hawkins said:Š“For more than 22 years, the effective energy efficiency measures delivered by our Keep Safe and Warm Project, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, have had a profound effect in improving the quality of life for vulnerable people in Liverpool.Š

“These measures include draught-proofing, loft and cavity wall insulation, which un- doubtedly improve the stan- dard of living and health and wellbeing for people living at home, particularly vulnerable members of the community”.

Dil Daly, chief executive of Age Concern Liverpool said: “We do not want any older person to suffer from the cold this winter and we will do everything possible to make sure that all Liverpool’s older residents stay warm, safe and well over the winter period”.

“Keep Warm, Keep Well” winter guides are available from Citizen Advice Bureau, GP surgeries and chemists from next month.

Tips include, having a hot drink before bed and regular hot meals, setting your thermostat at around 21ºC (70ºF) and keeping active during the day.

Anyone wanting more infor- mation about keeping warm should contact Age Concern Liverpool on 0151 330 5678.

OPINION: PAGE 10

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