Age UK statement on the Big Energy Saving Week

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director General of Age UK, said:

'Every increase in energy bills puts more households in fuel poverty and a large percentage of these will be older households. Switching off the heating is not the right response - there is a lot of scientific evidence that shows that cold homes (where the living room is less than 21 degrees, and other rooms less than 18 degrees) can seriously endanger health, especially for older people.

'Age UK is supporting Big Energy Saving Week because older people are affected by energy price increases and by living in a cold home. It is crucial that everyone knows how to access the help and support they are entitled to this winter. Big Energy Saving Week is about just that - aiming to provide people with the help and support to check tariffs, switch suppliers and insulate homes.

'However there is also much more work for the Government, local government, and the energy companies to do. Fuel poverty and the associated issues are getting worse and this will remain the focus of Age UK's campaigning this winter.'

For further information and advice from Age UK on reducing your energy bills call us on 0800 169 65 65 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/energyweek.

-ENDS-

Media contact: Sarah Scott      
Telephone: 020 3033 1434
Out of hours: 07071 243 243

Notes to editors

Age UK provides comprehensive information and advice through our national advice line and website, as well as helping with the practical implementation of energy saving advice in people's homes through our Handyperson services. We also work with our local partners to offer older people face-to-face advice on accessing benefits, and offer hundreds of older people the chance to learn how to get online and take advantage of potential savings.

Age UK
For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to well over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and wellbeing, home and care, work and learning and travel and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).