Cold homes cause misery for children12 May 2011
A new report shows that cold homes increase the risk of illnesses in children and young people.
The report by Professor Sir Michael Marmot was carried out on behalf of Friends of the Earth.
In England, at least 1.3 million children live in homes so cold they are officially health hazards.
Children in these cold homes are twice as likely to develop asthma, while teenagers are more likely to develop mental health problems.
The report reveals that cold homes can also affect children's educational achievements.
Professor Sir Michael Marmot said:
The many physical and mental health problems linked to cold homes described in this report are distressing. Upgrading this country's cold homes would be a double win - improving people's health and protecting the environment.
Professor Sir Michael Marmot lauches the report in the House of Commons
Chance to act
At the launch of the report in the House of Commons, the speakers acknowledged the importance of the Government's plans to bring in a new law to ensure landlords make cold homes energy efficient.
But there is still a long way to go before we eliminate the scandal of fuel poverty.
Friends of the Earth is calling for a Warm Homes Amendment in the Government's new Energy Bill to tackle fuel poverty and climate change.
Insulating leaky homes would end the misery of cold homes for children and would also slash our carbon emissions.
The Government must listen to Sir Michael's advice and do the right thing by some of society's most vulnerable people, by leading a nationwide re-fit of the country's coldest homes.
Andy Atkins, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director
© Jon Challicom
