‘Obviously’: YEP readers call for government to do more about energy prices as cold health alert issued
A cold health alert has been issued for Yorkshire
Readers of the Yorkshire Evening Post have called on the government to do more to help with rising energy prices this winter.
Colder weather has started to arrive with temperatures dipping down to freezing in Leeds after a warmer beginning to autumn. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold health alert for Yorkshire and the Humber which is set to kick in at 9pm tomorrow (November 15) and is in place until Thursday (November 19).
The alert means the weather is “likely to have minor impacts on health and social care services”, including an increased use of healthcare services and a greater risk to life to vulnerable people, the agency said.
Paul Coleman, consultant in Public Health at the UKHSA, said: “This is the latest Cold-Health Alert of the season, and we can expect more as we move further into winter.”
The government has already announced households in council tax bands A to D will receive a £100 energy support payment in January. However, after asking YEP readers on Facebook if more help is needed, they have delivered a resounding message.
Tina Newsome wrote: “Obviously. The government needs to stop blatant profiteering by companies supplying utility, energy & water.”
Dyanne Glynne said: “Yes - rejoin the EU Internal Energy Market - ASAP!”
Hugh Spalding added: “Get it back from energy company profits, they are disgusting while people struggle. The government is quick enough to tax us now and tax the energy companies instead.”
Graham Ince wrote: “64 billion in profits scandalous, while the government overlooks what's happening.”
In a contrasting view, Jane Dove wrote: “No. We are in enough debt as it is. We cannot afford it.”