Britons may need to seek out debt advice to stay safe this winter

18/12/2009

The health of many of the most vulnerable members of society could be placed at risk as they struggle with housing debt and bills.

With snow falling across the UK, the Department of Health has advised older people, as well as families with young children and those with long-term disabilities to make sure that they stay warm this winter.

Through its 'Keep Warm, Keep Well' campaign, the government department has warned that cold weather can lead to serious heart and respiratory problems and claims several lives each year.

While advising Britons to keep as warm as possible, the government has acknowledged that many people are already struggling with the problem of fuel poverty and are likely to be seeking debt advice for their gas and electricity bills.

Referring to those unable to afford to keep their homes warm all winter, Yvonne Doyle, regional director of public health for the south-east, said: "If they can't heat all the rooms they use, they should heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before they go to sleep.

"The elderly, and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during cold weather."

According to National Energy Action, the incidence of excess winter deaths over the winter months is disproportionately high in the UK when compared to other Western nations, with housing debt and bills a major factor in this.

Kevin Still, Director of EuroDebt, said: "It is important that when it comes to matters of your health and well being that financial priorities are established. Adequately heating properties during the winter, as evidenced in this week's weather conditions. EuroDebt's debt advice is based around prioritising expenditure so that your home and family are not put at risk."

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills,

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