Deaths due to the cold fall despite big freeze

The estimated number of excess deaths in winter 2009-10 was 25,400, a 30 per cent drop on figures for 2008-09 when the winter was milder.

The report, from the Office for National Statistics, was released as weather forecasters predicted bitterly cold weather and possible heavy snowfall later this week.

It revealed there were 10,600 excess winter deaths in men and 14,800 in women, with 81 per cent occurring among people aged 75 and over.

The ONS said the relatively low number of excess deaths in 2009-10 – calculated by comparing winter mortality rates with levels during warmer months – might be due to low levels of flu.

But campaigners said the figures still showed that nine pensioners an hour died in the cold last winter.

Excess deaths are generally not due to conditions directly associated with cold weather, such as hypothermia. Most are caused by blockages in the brain artery, which can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease and respiratory disease.

However, these conditions can be made worse by cold and flu, which can prove fatal.

The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) called on the Government to guarantee to maintain the winter fuel allowance at its current level of up to 400.

NPC general secretary Dot Gibson said: "Since 1997, we have lost over 300,000 pensioners during the winter months because of cold-related illnesses.

"No other section of our society is so vulnerable and treated so badly. Pensioners see rising fuel bills and are constantly worried about whether or not they can afford to put their heating on.

"Around three million pensioner households are currently spending more than 10 per cent of their income on fuel bills, and are living in fuel poverty.

"What these people need now is more money – in the form of the winter fuel allowance so that they can avoid having to decide whether to heat or eat."