Last year, 25,300 people died as a result of cold-related illnesses.

Mervyn Kohler, Special Adviser for Help the Aged, says: 'This year’s winter deaths figures are a continuing disgrace to a government which is there to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

'Fuel poverty is a blight on society which affects one in four pensioner households. The Government must act now to prevent the nation’s grandparents becoming casualties of winter. 

'The Government must act now to prevent the nation’s grandparents becoming casualties of winter'

'Money which has been made available to insulate homes is an important part of the solution but will have little impact this winter. The £60 addition to Christmas Bonus promised in the pre-budget report will help, but the Government needs to provide more crisis payments for older people struggling to heat their homes this Christmas.

'When billions have been spent to save our financial institutions surely some can be spared to save our older people'

'When billions have been spent to save our financial institutions surely some can be spared to save our older people.'

Follow our Three Steps to a Warmer Winter