Sharp rises in fuel prices could lead to more excess deaths because vulnerable households cannot afford sufficient heating. Simon Francis of the 'End Fuel Poverty Coalition' said in December 2022 that people must choose "between heating and dying". Francis said that if people have no heating, they will need the NHS or worse. Age UK stated there was an increase in the number of desperate calls to its help line. Caroline Abrahams of Age UK said that energy prices would lead to almost a third of older households, roughly 3 million homes getting into fuel poverty. Age UK fear more people will die due to cold. Abrahams urged the government to make sure vulnerable older people are confident about turning on their heating.Excess deaths could rise as vulnerable skimp on heating, UK charities warn The Guardian. 12 December 2022
