Vulnerable people to benefit from help

Funding has been approved by Derbyshire County Council to support older and vulnerable people most at risk of ill health from living in cold and damp conditions.

The move is part of the council’s public health commitment to tackling fuel poverty, reducing the number of deaths due to cold weather and impacting on health care costs.

Around 59,295 Derbyshire households live in fuel poverty and between last December and March there were an estimated 426 ‘excess’ winter deaths in the county due to an increase in heart attacks and strokes, respiratory disease, flu, falls and injuries.

The council is investing £376,000 over two years to make sure the most vulnerable benefit.