According to the Warm Homes Campaign there are, on average, 46 excess winter deaths each year in the Totnes constituency.

The figure was higher at 60 excess deaths during the winter of 2004-2005 compared with the national figure of 24,000 for the same period.

The Warm Homes Campaign is the annual winter campaign organised by the fuel poverty charity - National Energy Action (NEA). It is supported by DEFRA. The campaign aims to cut the number of excess winter deaths by raising awareness of the help available to people who cannot afford to heat their homes.

Anthony Steen MP is backing the Warm Homes campaign. The Totnes MP said: "Fuel poverty is a serious issue and it's vital to help people make their homes more energy efficient. With rising fuel and energy prices the number of excess winter deaths in Britain could be even higher this year. In this day and age, no one should have to spend the winter without affordable heat for their home."

With fuel prices at record levels, and utilities prices expected to rise within the not too distant future, the prospect of cold homes and the associated effects of ill health are a real concern.

Estimates suggest that one in six UK households are unable to afford adequate heating for their homes, and this can result in serious consequences. Cold homes affect people’s health and well-being and are linked to cardiovascular illnesses such as heart disease and strokes, and respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.

The elderly, families with young children, people with disabilities and others on low incomes are especially at risk from the dangers of cold homes. Pensioners account for 90 per cent of excess winter deaths.

Jenny Saunders, NEA chief executive, said: "For millions of families and individuals, winter brings poor health, isolation, debt and worry. We believe that this is unacceptable. The Warm Homes Campaign aims to highlight the effects of fuel poverty and to offer positive and practical solutions to the problem."

Anyone who is worried about their winter fuel bill should call the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336699 for information and advice on keeping warm in winter. Or for more information about grants available to keep your home warm, call freephone 0800 3166014.