Over the last ten years there have been 6201 excess winter deaths amongst people aged 65 or over in Northern Ireland.  

Michelle Bagnall, Policy Officer for Help the Aged, said: 'These figures are all the more scandalous in light of the fact that future funding for the Warm Homes Scheme may be cut. 

'Older people currently represent 54 per cent of fuel-poor households. Reducing funding for programmes that could improve their housing conditions will have a serious impact on the lives of vulnerable older people.

'Research by the Department of Social Development has confirmed a link between fuel poverty and cold-related deaths. We call on all our politicians to back our efforts to stop these cuts.'

Help the Aged has published a booklet entitled Keep the Warmth In (PDF,595k) which offers practical tips on staying warm this winter.

Read our advice on how to stay warm in winter