The National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) says millions of UK householders, especially the elderly and those on fixed incomes, are going to find it very difficult to pay the vastly inflated fuel prices in order to keep warm this winter.

NHIC Executive Director, Roman Russocki, said: "With increased prices now affecting virtually every walk of life, millions of UK householders are absolutely dreading the cost of keeping warm this winter. In particular, people on low wages, fixed incomes, benefits and the elderly, face a very miserable existence, as they can’t afford to pay. So they will not turn on their heating and, consequently, will end up cold, unhealthy and thousands will die!

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"We urge the Government to follow its Fuel Poverty Advisory Group's recommendations to increase the 'Warm Front' allocation by at least £1.3bn and to put in place urgent measures to raise the awareness of poorer households to the fact that grants are available to help them insulate their homes.

"Local authorities, too, should take a lead in bringing to people’s notice the availability of grants through the columns of local newspapers."

(CD/JM)