Responding to Ofgem's announcement on a further energy price cap rise, Sarah MacFadyen, Head of Policy & External Affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, said:
“Ofgem’s latest energy cap price hike risks pricing people with lung conditions out of breathing. Winter is already the deadliest season (1) for people with lung conditions, and the cost of living increase will only make this worse and put seismic pressure on the NHS at a time where people, especially those with lung conditions, need it more than ever.
“Cold air is a top trigger for people living with lung conditions like asthma and COPD, leaving people fighting for breath. Cold weather can also contribute to mould and damp – a trigger for around 2.5 million people with asthma in the UK (2). The best way for people with lung conditions to stay well is to ensure they take their medication and keep their houses warm, but rising costs could leave people choosing to skip their medication or turn off their heating.
“As a charity we’re already seeing a 150% spike in calls to our helpline (3) for support with financial and welfare benefits advice, and we’re worried that as energy prices rise we’re going to see a sharp decline in the country’s lung health this winter. With the triple threat of freezing homes, colds and flu, and expected COVID-19 peaks, we’re running the risk of yet another major healthcare crisis. As part of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, we’re calling on the UK government to provide more financial support for people with long-term health conditions and on low incomes, so they can afford to keep their homes warm this winter. For more information about financial support, visit: blf.org.uk/support-for-you/welfare-benefits”
References
(1) Out in the cold: lung disease, the hidden driver of NHS winter pressure, British Lung Foundation report, 2017: https://www.blf.org.uk/policy/out-in-the-cold
(2) Statistics taken from Asthma UK’s Annual Asthma Survey 2019: https://www.asthma.org.uk/58a0ecb9/globalassets/campaigns/publications/The-Great-Asthma-Divide.pdf
(3) Calls to our helpline for advice about financial support increased by around 150% from April to May 2022