Winter deaths at highest for decade in Black Country

There were 200 more 'excess' winter deaths during the 2017/18 winter period than the previous year in the region, Public Health England (PHE) data showed.

Experts believe more than a quarter of the 810 deaths came as a result of elderly people living in cold homes

The number of excess winter deaths is calculated by taking away the average deaths that occur at other times of the year from those during winter.

The Black Country total for 2017/18 was the highest in 10 years and the second-highest of the century.

According to PHE, 10 per cent of excess winter deaths nationally are linked directly to fuel poverty, when low incomes and high energy bills combine to make a warm home unaffordable.

Councils have made improvements to housing stocks over recent years but experts say there are still people living in cold homes.

A report from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, where the data was published, added: "England’s housing stock is made up of relatively energy inefficient properties which can result in homes that are difficult or costly to heat.

"A social gradient in fuel poverty exists; those on lower household incomes are more likely to be at risk of fuel poverty, contributing to social and health inequalities."

Marco Longhi, public health boss at the Conservative-controlled Walsall Council, said he believed an ageing population would inevitably lead to more deaths but insisted people known to be living in cold homes would be supported.

He said: "If we see there are areas where properties that need to be changed because they are draughty and cold things will be done.

"I'm absolutely certain if we become aware of an elderly person in a house that doesn't have double glazing or insulation - we all know there are grants out there."

He added: "Because of advancements in medicines and technology we are being kept alive for longer. Inevitable at some point we will die."