To ask the Minister of Health what steps his Department is taking to prevent cold-related deaths this winter.

The link between living in cold, damp conditions and a number of illnesses, including poor mental health, respiratory disease, and premature mortality has long been accepted. Cold homes can cause excess deaths and exacerbate many illnesses, in addition to potentially delaying recovery from serious conditions. Cold housing also increases the risk of accidents and injuries in the home. In addition, low home temperatures can also impact on infants and children, and those living with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, neurological conditions, stroke and dementia, respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

The Affordable Warmth Scheme is the Executive’s main Scheme to target and assist low income owner-occupiers and householders who rent their home from a private landlord who are most at risk of fuel poverty. The Department for Communities announced changes to the Affordable Warmth Scheme eligibility criteria, to take effect from July 2021, in order to help more households who are in fuel poverty, by increasing the income threshold and by dis-applying certain disability benefits from the calculation of income.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) contributes to a cross sectoral, multi-disciplinary approach across a number of organisations and divisions which supports the NICE Guidance on ‘Excess winter deaths and morbidity and the health risks associated with cold homes’. The guidelines offer strategic and practical recommendations for health and social care and other community organisations, to support vulnerable people who have health, housing or economic circumstances that increase their risk of harm.

In addition, the PHA funded regional Keep Warm Pack scheme was developed to provide immediate, short-term support to help those most vulnerable and at risk of fuel poverty to stay warmer at home during cold weather. The scheme is co-ordinated by the PHA with the support of a range of local government, Health and Social Care Trusts, and community and voluntary partners. Over the past five years a total of 40,145 packs have been distributed to those most in need. This winter, it is anticipated that circa 8225 packs will be distributed across NI.

The PHA is also responsible for the implementation of the annual winter vaccination programme throughout the season, which includes both flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations this year. This includes a mass media advertising campaign promoting the importance of getting vaccinated. The PHA is currently urging everyone who falls into an eligible group to get the vaccinated.