Oil prices 'a worry for older people'

As the UK is plunged further into the big freeze, thousands of homes could go unheated, which is dangerous for older people in particular.

Many people are already facing fuel shortages due to rocketing oil prices and delivery issues, according to Age UK.

Oil prices have soared from under 40p per litre to over 70p in the last month alone, no doubt causing difficulties for older people using assisted living or home care.

Age UK's Charity Director Michelle Mitchell said that winter is already an extremely worrying time for older people and the rising fuel bills will add to the stress and ill health of the season.

"We urgently need an effective national and local emergency winter plan in place to ensure that all vulnerable older people are protected from the impact of cold weather this winter," she added.

Meanwhile, the Warm Front scheme, which provides funds to families suffering from fuel poverty, has announced that it will not be accepting new applications until April 2011.

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