That this House notes that over the last 10 years there has been an average of nearly 30,000 excess winter deaths each year in the UK, the vast majority of which are older people; recognises that the immediate cause of most deaths is cardiovascular or respiratory problems brought about by exposure to cold; highlights that in many cases these deaths and associated ill-health are preventable; further recognises the strain that cold weather-related health problems place on local health services, the cost of which has been estimated by the Chief Medical Officer at £890 million per year in England alone, making this a national public health issue; and further notes that hon. Members of this House have a role to play in helping prevent excess winter deaths and associated ill-health problems by encouraging local authorities and other organisations in their constituencies to both prioritise this issue as a public health concern and put plans in place to deal with it.

That this House notes that over the last 10 years there has been an average of nearly 30,000 excess winter deaths each year in the UK, the vast majority of which are older people; recognises that the immediate cause of most deaths is cardiovascular or respiratory problems brought about by...

That this House shares the serious concerns of the UK Autism Foundation that there will be many more parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome across the United Kingdom who will be faced with winter fuel poverty; notes that many families with autism and Asperger's syndrome are struggling to heat their homes because of rising gas and electricity bills particularly during the credit crunch and the recession; is concerned that despite the economic downturn energy bills are at record high levels; supports the call of the UK Autism Foundation for the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide crisis payments for families with autism below the poverty line who are struggling to heat their homes this Christmas; backs the call of the UK Autism Foundation for an industry-wide reduced social tariff for all families and people with disabilities including autism; urges the Government to take this matter up with energy companies as soon as possible in order to help families with autism who are struggling to cope with high gas and electricity bills during the recession; and calls on the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide on-going support to families with autism struggling to cope with financial burdens and facing the threat of home repossessions during the credit crunch and the recession in 2009 and beyond.

That this House shares the serious concerns of the UK Autism Foundation that there will be many more parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome across the United Kingdom who will be faced with winter fuel poverty; notes that many families with autism and Asperger's syndrome are...

That this House calls on the BBC to take its viewers' opinions on the new weather map seriously, notably The Scottish White Fish Producers' Association's concerns over the removal of isobars and wind speeds from bulletins; condemns the BBC for their suggestion for fishermen to use other sources for their weather bulletins; and calls upon the Government to ensure that the BBC are fulfilling their obligations to all viewers.

That this House calls on the BBC to take its viewers' opinions on the new weather map seriously, notably The Scottish White Fish Producers' Association's concerns over the removal of isobars and wind speeds from bulletins; condemns the BBC for their suggestion for fishermen to use other sources for their...

That this House notes the findings of the research by the Environment Agency which shows that around five million people, in two million properties, live in flood risk areas in England and Wales; notes how the risk of both inland and coastal flooding in these areas will increase as a result of increases in the frequency of extreme weather events and sea levels rising due to climate change; highlights how the autumn of 2000 saw the most extensive floods in England and Wales for over 50 years, with approximately 10,000 properties flooded and the cost of damage around one billion pounds; and calls on the Government to take a more strategic and holisitic approach to water management and supply by strengthening existing legislation concerning developments on flood plains and promoting small soft solutions, such as ensuring that all new developments incorporate sustainable urban drainage.

That this House notes the findings of the research by the Environment Agency which shows that around five million people, in two million properties, live in flood risk areas in England and Wales; notes how the risk of both inland and coastal flooding in these areas will increase as a...

That this House believes that as the millennium approaches it is unacceptable that some 8,000,000 households live in cold homes, that up to 50,000 people die every winter from cold-related illnesses, that around ??1 billion of NHS money is required every year to treat cold-related illnesses and that the current crisis in the NHS may be repeated every winter as a result; acknowledges that the Government has announced its wish to end fuel poverty; and therefore declares its support for the Fuel Poverty and Energy Conservation Bill introduced by the honourable Member for Dundee East, which will require local authorities, as part of their reports under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995, to draw up strategies to combat fuel poverty, and then to ensure action by appointing a designated officer.

That this House believes that as the millennium approaches it is unacceptable that some 8,000,000 households live in cold homes, that up to 50,000 people die every winter from cold-related illnesses, that around ??1 billion of NHS money is required every year to treat cold-related illnesses and that the current...

That this House notes that preventable deaths from cold-related illnesses are a uniquely British scourge; considers that prompt action to include wind chill in the calculation of cold weather payments would be an excellent way for the government to show its commitment to the well-being of Britain's poorest pensioners; notes that the Government's own research concludes that it is perfectly possible to include wind chill; further notes that the Government's report concludes that if wind chill had been included over the last three years, an average additional expenditure of just ??8 million per annum would have been incurred; considers that this is a small price to pay to honour commitments made to those pensioners and others in receipt of income support who are eligible for cold weather payments; and calls upon the Government to reconsider its decision not to include wind chill in the calculation of cold weather payments.

That this House notes that preventable deaths from cold-related illnesses are a uniquely British scourge; considers that prompt action to include wind chill in the calculation of cold weather payments would be an excellent way for the government to show its commitment to the well-being of Britain's poorest pensioners; notes...

That this House notes with dismay that the United Kingdom has a higher death toll from cold-related illnesses than any other nation and that a major factor is poorly insulated houses; and therefore calls for a reduction in VAT on insulation and energy efficiency equipment and a massive increase in the programme for upgrading the energy efficiency of homes occupied by those on low incomes.

That this House notes with dismay that the United Kingdom has a higher death toll from cold-related illnesses than any other nation and that a major factor is poorly insulated houses; and therefore calls for a reduction in VAT on insulation and energy efficiency equipment and a massive increase in...