The Dark Side of a White Christmas

19 May 2012

As the dawn of December arrived the streets of Northumberland were filled with the playful laughter of children as they dug out their sledges and headed for the hills, built snowmen and launched into snowball fights.

While the county's youngsters may be revelling in the pre-Christmas snowfall there is a much harsher side to the snowy weather for the rest of us.

As last week saw temperatures in Northumberland plummet to well below minus nine degrees centigrade and over 80 of our schools were closed, families were thrown into chaos. As well as having to deal with hazardous driving conditions, childcare also had to be arranged and many people could simply not make it into work.

As we look set for a second consecutive harsh and freezing winter, it is only just the beginning for many people facing fuel poverty - when a household spends more than 10 per cent of its income on energy bills.

Once the last snowflake has landed and the snow has melted hundreds of Northumbrians will be left with higher energy bills as a result of the biting winds and icy conditions.

As we battle through what is already the worst winter for 17 years, and people are unable to get out and about safely, people should not be faced with the prospect of leaving the heating off just to save on bills.

Residents will already have seen their gas and electricity usage soar as they try to keep their homes warm both during the day and evening, but if we face similar weather in the New Year as we did in January last winter - and again this November - then it will spell even more trouble for people already struggling to meet increasing bills.

Fuel poverty isn't something that just elderly people have to cope with, increased unemployment rates and rising fuel costs are putting even more people at risk - especially those living in rural areas.

Anyone living in fuel poverty are often forced to decide between properly heating their home and living healthily - many do not realise that the two are heavily linked, and should seek help immediately rather than waiting for the bills to arrive.

Keeping the heating turned down low in cold weather can seriously aggravate colds, influenza and even strokes and heart disease - it is particularly dangerous for people with a long-term illness, the very young and old. 

Northumberland residents concerned about fuel poverty or debts to fuel companies should contact the DAWN Advice Team for free and independent advice on 0844 4111 309.