A BOLTON MP is giving his support to a scheme designed to end the scandal of people shivering in their homes over winter.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, has lent his weight to a House of Commons motion calling for a 15-year scheme to ensure people can live in warm homes.

It is estimated that across the UK eight million homes cannot be kept warm because they are draughty, damp and badly insulated, or have old and inefficient heating. As a result thousands of people - mainly the weak and old - fall ill and die.

Up to 60,000 more people die during the winter in the UK compared with the summer months. This increase is far higher than in any other country in Europe - including much colder countries like Norway and Sweden.

The Campaign for the Warm Homes Bill is demanding that cold homes are insulated and provided with better heating.

Mr Crausby bvelieves this would save money as well as lives. The NHS spends £1 billion a year treating people who fall ill because of their cold homes. The scheme would also create up to 30,000 extra jobs, save energy and cut pollution.

The MP said: "The Warm Homes Bill is vital to both the interests of the environment and those people who are unable to keep warm in winter. As we approach the Millennium we should surely be able to deal with the problems of fuel poverty."

Martyn Williams, from the Campaign for Warms Homes added: "The support of David Crausby will help this campaign ensure people can keep warm in their own homes. This will keep people healthy and save lives.

"What's more, solving the problem will create jobs, save money for the NHS and cut pollution - a win, win, win situation."

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