There were 90 Excess Winter Deaths in Wandsworth during 2016/2017, the most recent data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has revealed.

Whilst this number decreased by 10 compared to the previous year, local London Assembly Member, Leonie Cooper AM, said this “social injustice” will persist “unless significant action is taken to improve housing standards and address fuel poverty in the capital”.

Regional level figures for 2017/2018 have also been released provisionally by the ONS showing that there were 4,200 Excess Winter Deaths across London. This is an increase of 23 percent, compared to 2016/2017.

The ONS attributes the majority of Excess Winter Deaths to respiratory diseases. A study by the charities National Energy Action and E3G, published earlier this year, has also shown fuel poverty and cold homes to be prevalent underlying factors.

City Hall is taking action on cold homes and fuel poverty by investing £2.5 million into its Warmer Homes scheme, which enables landlords, renters and homeowners to bid for up to £4,000 of funding to install heating and insulation measures.

Local London Assembly Member Leonie Cooper AM, said: “It is extremely concerning to see this number of Excess Winter Deaths locally, and unacceptable that so many Londoners this winter will be trapped in cold homes.

“This is a deep and entirely preventable social injustice and it won’t be stamped out unless significant action is taken to improve housing standards and address fuel poverty in the capital.

“Work is being undertaken at City Hall to tackle these issues, but it is clear that we now need more support from the Government. I would also urge all homeowners, tenants and landlords whose properties are insufficiently insulated to bid for City Hall’s Warmer Homes scheme funding.”