Winter deaths webchat with Dan Jarvis MP

Thanks. The numbers do seem to be going down over time, which is good.

Apart from the black tie, of course.

If you do not want to wait, bags, your answers are on the ONS link.

Is it not better to persuade the government rather than local authorities?
The government is cutting the grants to local authorities so there is not enough money in the pot for them to do anything about it.

Is the number of so-called "excess" deaths falling? For example, is the figure for 2014/15 lower by a significant amount than it was, say, fifty or a hundred years ago? And if so, can this pattern be seen in general with regard to this issue?

If the answer to those questions is yes, then I think we're on the right track.

A third question, if I may, why are you wearing a black tie?

Hello Dan. Many older people are living in poorly heated and poorly insulated homes, putting them at risk. www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/357409/Review7_Fuel_poverty_health_inequalities.pdf
The coalition government cut back ECO funding (spinning it as "Green Taxes") despite the evidence that investing in home insulation can help prevent premature deaths in the winter and take pressure over the NHS.
I would hope that when we get a Labour government more money can be invested in this. It is a double win as improving energy efficiency is the most cost effective way of reducing carbon emissions.
Are you involved in developing Labour policy in this area? If not, who is?
While we await an election is there anything else that can be done by individuals?

That was a rhetorical question.
You have five years for Dan Jarvis to do his research and save you from being an excess death statistic.

70

How old are you whitewave? Not old enough to be included in these statistics.

My question for Dan Jarvis is:

How do you know when a woman over 85 dies that it is an excess death?
I thought statistics had always said that there are more deaths in January to March anyway.

Oh I have just realised I should have asked a question! Ignore above and I can assure you I am not as dotty as I sound.

Oh I hope you aren't including us in the winter deaths - we are all invincible on here.

Two things I think.

The first is cold of course. So keep warm.

The second is to avoid crowds. I have my shopping delivered, and always wear gloves -rather like her Maj when I do go shopping. Sounds paranoid but it works! Hardly dare say but haven't had a cold since I can't remember. Before adopting these tactics I had dreadful viruses and colds every year.