The Importance of a warm home for health and wellbeing National Energy Action Jimmy Pugh January 2014

National Energy Action – Who? What? Where? How? Introductions

Halton Healthy Homes Network The overall aim of the Network is to improve housing conditions and reduce levels of fuel poverty by strengthening partnership working to tackle the issues. NEA is currently working with the network to put a health emphasis on fuel poverty.

Latest DECC fuel poverty figures Official Government figures estimate that: In 2011 the number of households in fuel poverty in the UK was around 4.5 million, representing around 17 per cent of all UK households. In the north west it’s about 12.5% of households 5 million households in fuel debt 31,000 Excess winter deaths in winter 2012/13 (currently estimated) ‘Annual Report on Fuel Poverty Statistics, 2013 and ‘Fuel Poverty Statistics Methodology and User Manual, 2013’ Fuel Poverty in Halton Local Authority All HouseholdsFuel Poor HouseholdsPercent Fuel Poor 51,4234,9519.6% Excess winter deaths 2011/12 Official DECC stats England and Wales 24,000 North West 3100 Halton 30

Causes and Effect of Fuel Poverty High fuel costs Low incomes Energy inefficient homes Don’t heat the home Ill health Condensation Housing disrepair Heat the home Fuel debt Fuel Poverty “Few people choose to live in cold damp homes that they cannot afford to heat well enough to protect their health. Yet for millions of British households this is the reality of poor quality housing, inefficient heating systems and inadequate building standards stretching back over generations.” From a British Medical Journal Editorial, by Dr Noel DL Olsen, 20011

Who are most at risk? Those on low-incomes Older people Parents with young children People with disabilities and long-term illness People without access to advice and information Single people

Cold costs, warmth saves Age UK has calculated that the estimated cost to the NHS in England arising just from cold homes is around £1.36 billion per year. “Cold, damp, thermally inefficient houses which people cannot afford to heat sufficiently to protect their health are a peculiarly British public health scandal.” Dr Noel DL Olsen MSc, FRCP, FFPHM

Indoor Temperature and Health 18-21°C - no risk to sedentary, healthy people Below 16°C - diminished resistance to respiratory infections Below 12°C - increased blood pressure and viscosity Below 9°C - after 2 or more hours, deep body temperature falls

Health impacts of living in cold/damp home Potential Health Impacts Cold Home Increased blood pressure leading to heart disease and strokes Increased respiratory illness chronic bronchitis or emphysema Worsening arthritis and rheumatism Worsening of long-term medical conditions including mental health Poorer nutrition Potential Health Impacts Damp Home Allergies to mould: rhinitis, itching, sneezing, wheezing, conjunctivitis, fever and coughing Infections: flu-like symptoms to irreversible lung damage Viruses and bacteria are more common in damp homes House dust mites: asthma, eczema, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, prolonged colds

Excess Winter Deaths 31,000 was the EWD figure for England and Wales during the winter of 2012/2013

Children and fuel poverty It is clear that fuel poverty can have severe and life-long effects on children. Studies show that long-term exposure to a cold home can: Affect weight gain in babies and young children. Increase hospital admission rates for children and increase the severity and frequency of asthmatic symptoms. Children in cold homes are more than twice as likely to suffer from breathing problems. Children in damp and mouldy homes are up to three times more likely to suffer from coughing, wheezing and respiratory illness, compared to those with warm, dry homes. Fuel poverty may even affect children’s education, if health problems keep them off school, or a cold home means there is no warm, separate room to do their homework. Fact-file: Families and fuel poverty ; Association for the conservation of energy, February 2013

Energy Project Plus If you have any questions or concerns about your household energy use call Energy Project Plus. Their trained energy advisors offer advice on domestic energy efficiency and renewable energy as well as information on grants and discounts available to residents to help make their homes more energy efficient. For more information call