The connection of cold, damp housing and rates of morbidity and mortality are well documented. Although actual cases of hypothermia deaths are comparatively rare (250-350 per year) of greater significance is the incidence of cold related illness. Cold homes have been shown to exacerbate existing illnesses such as asthma and heart disease and reduce resistance to illnesses like influenza, pneumonia and bronchitis. Cold homes also contribute to an increased risk of falls amongst the elderly and have been linked to social exclusion, low educational attainment and mental health problems.

The result is an extra 30,000-40,000 excess winter deaths in the UK. It has been suggested that for every 1°C that the winter temperature drops below the average there will be an increase of 8,000 excess winter deaths.

More locally the effects of fuel poverty are seriously felt in the Wakefield District. Research shows that Wakefield has the highest level of excess winter deaths in the Yorkshire and Humber Region at 26% above the level of deaths in other months.