PENSIONERS - COLD WEATHER PERIODS

That this House is aware that every yeartens ofthousands of elderly UK citizens become either seriously ill or die over the winter period; notes research showing death rates in much colder countries at considerably lower levels than in Britain; knows that during such periods keeping warm is key to staying healthy; believes consequently that urgent priority must be given to measures which will ensure the short and long-term needs of the elderly during the winter periods are met, including ensuring that their homes are energy efficient, that energy companies are required to offer lower rates to pensioners and that sufficient funds are provided to local authorities to enable them to contact and support their senior citizens during cold weather periods.