A WORRYING rise in the numbers of people dying because of the cold weather has prompted a charity to issue a call to action this Fuel Poverty Awareness Day.

There were 5,600 excess winter deaths in the east of England last winter with respiratory and circulatory diseases accounting for the most deaths across England and Wales, followed by dementia.

In light of increasing fuel bills, National Energy Action (NEA) is calling on the Government to improve energy efficiency in the country's least efficient homes, and for local councils to better enforce housing standards.

Adam Scorer, chief executive of NEA, said: "Everybody has the right to live in a warm and safe home but tragically, many people died needlessly last winter because of cold homes.

"Living in a cold, damp home can also lead to extremely poor health, especially in those who are vulnerable and those with long term sickness and disabilities.

"With fuel bills set to rise again, without urgent local and national action we’re worried the same will keep happening each winter.”

Since 2015/16, excess winter deaths have increased annually in the east, going from 2,370 to 5,600 last year.

The east also has the third highest number of excess winter deaths nationally.

Meanwhile, the occupants of 239,431 homes are in fuel poverty, according to the latest figures.

NEA says improving the energy efficiency of homes is the best prevention but highlights a drop-off in the delivery of home energy efficiency improvements, and cuts to council funding.

Mr Scorer added: "Despite the continued squeeze on resources - using current enforcement powers, their wider strategic responsibilities and place-based knowledge - local authorities are well placed to take action against landlords who don't meet statutory energy efficiency requirements, or minimum housing safety standards.

"The NEA is also calling for the introduction of a new national Clean Growth Fuel Poverty Challenge Fund, providing necessary central investment to tackle the cold homes crisis once and for all.

"As well as helping the poorest and most vulnerable to afford to live in a warm, dry home, this would also support small business growth in the region, achieve major carbon emissions reductions, improve air quality, and reduce health and social care costs."

One of the ways Essex County Council is working to help people keep warm during winter is with the Essex Energy Switch.

So far more than £3.5 million has been saved by residents since the scheme began in 2014 after switching their energy provider.

The deadline to apply is March 25.