On Tuesday 22nd November the the statistics for ‘excess winter deaths’ are being published. These are the stats that show how many more people died last winter as a direct result of being cold in their homes. We think it’s completely unacceptable that over 200 people die each day during the winter months from cold when we have the means to stop it [1].
Moreover, the government seems inclined to decimate funding from all renewable energy projects that may be able to solve the problem [2], and seems content to let the so-called ‘Big Six’ energy companies make a real killing – this year their profits rose 733% per customer! [3] How is it that as the world’s sixth largest economy, we can’t find the funds to provide for one of the most fundamental of human needs, the need for warmth? With 1 in 5 private tenants in Leeds already living in fuel poverty [4], we think it’s time to take action to rise the profile of what is, in all senses of the word, one of the most vital issues facing us, our neighbours, and our communities.
We cannot let this happen again this winter!
At 1pm on Tuesday 22nd November we are going to say enough is enough by holding a die-in in or around one of Leeds’ more opulent shopping centres to draw attention to the absurdity that in a country of such spectacular wealth, people still die from cold homes while the government dismantles any sensible attempt to tackle the issue.
Come along at 12.15 at Occupy Leeds in City Square for a quick briefing and discussion before heading over to the action location for a 1pm start. PROPS: Bring blankets, hot water bottles, flasks, anything that you would use to keep warm on a cold winter’s night at home. Email info[at]leedstidal.org if you have any questions or to be updated with any further plans.
[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/oct/22/older-people-cold-energy-bills?INTCMP=SRCH and http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/oct/19/fuel-poverty-2700-victims-winter)
[2]http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/nov/11/solar-panels-feed-in-tariff-halved?INTCMP=SRCH and http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/solar_cuts_guide.pdf
[3] http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/oct/14/energy-firms-profits-rise-ofgem?INTCMP=SRCH
[4] http://www.leeds.nhs.uk/Your-health/fuel-poverty.htm
