Liquid fuels distribution trade association The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) has urged everyone aged 75 plus who uses heating oil to heat their homes to sign up to the Cold Weather Priority scheme.
The Office For National Statistics has reported an estimated 50,100 excess winter deaths in England and Wales over the past two years, the highest recorded since winter 1975 to 1976. An estimated 80% of the deaths were among people aged 75 and over, it found.
UKIFDA chief executive Guy Pulham said: “The Cold Weather Priority initiative is industry-led and was created in full consultation with, and fully supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It has been designed to enable our UKIFDA member heating oil suppliers to identify those most vulnerable so they can ensure deliveries are prioritised for them when there are supply shortages or the weather is extremely cold.
“Since it began in 2017 over 22,000 elderly consumers of heating oil have signed up to the scheme and it proved vital when the Beast from the East hit in February/March 2018.”
“The elderly are most at risk during the winter months as cold homes can be so destructive for individuals. Being cold can cause various health problems, increasing blood pressure or reducing the immune system and putting people at greater risk of respiratory illnesses.
“With the scheme, our member suppliers can identify those most at risk from the cold and take proactive steps to prioritise deliveries to them, ensuring they have enough fuel to stay warm throughout winter. A warm house is key in the fight against excess winter deaths.”
The UKIFDA also encouraged customers to order their oil before the Brexit deadline of 31 October in order to be prepared for the winter period.
Find out more about the Cold Weather Priority here