Agenda item

Preventing Excess Winter Deaths, Warm Homes Fund Bid Round 2 - Jenny Macphail

Minutes:

Jenny Macphail, Senior Health and Improvement Officer, attended the meeting to give an update with regard to the Preventing Excess Winter Deaths (EWDs), Warm Homes Fund Bid Round 2.

 

A paper was circulated which gave a comprehensive background to the issue.  It was highlighted that most excess winter deaths occur in over 65s and can be due to a number of socio-economic risk factors including fuel poverty, underlying health conditions, housing tenure, housing conditions and personal and social behaviours.  The target is to reduce EWDs to 15% by 2020, as Barnsley’s figure is  currently higher than the national average.  There is a full EWD plan, which looks at uptake of flu vaccination, falls prevention, winter planning and urgent care, awareness raising and communications work. This is a key priority for the Council and partners.  EWDs are costly to the NHS – one EWD equates to around 100 GP visits and also impacts on hospital admissions. 

 

It was explained that there is a link between cold homes and fuel poverty and that there is a risk of death and ill health associated with living in a cold home.  Those most at risk include over 65s with health conditions, 0 to 5 year olds, pregnant women, those with asthma, cardio vascular disease, mental health conditions, social isolation and low income.  It was pointed out that private sector landlords are no longer be able to rent out properties to new tenants which have an Energy Performance rating of F or G. The highest rate of EWDs occur in the Darton East and Worsborough wards, which does have a high proportion of private sector rented properties. 

 

An expression of interest has been made to the Warm Homes Fund to provide a single point of access to advice and support around cold homes, integrated with wider services and linking into community and voluntary agencies across the Borough.  A dedicated team will be on hand to visit residents and advise on issues such as switching energy providers and claiming benefits.  The service will be promoted using a multi-pronged approach, including Facebook and attendance at community events etc. 

 

RESOLVED that Jenny Macphail be thanked for her attendance and contribution.

 

 

 

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