A BARNSLEY MP has criticised the government after it was revealed that there was a 29 per cent increase in winter deaths last year.
Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central, said: "It’s a national disgrace that so many people are dying each year because they're too scared to turn on the heating.
"The situation has got increasingly worse, as these shocking statistics illustrate. David Cameron has done nothing since I raised this with him - apart from fail to stand up to the energy companies."
An estimated 31,100 excess winter deaths occurred in 2012/13 - a sharp increase on the previous winter.
The Office for National Statistics data, which compares deaths in winter months with averages in other seasons, shows most of the deaths involved people over 75.
Mr Jarvis added: "This year many people will have to choose between heating and eating. Ministers need to take urgent action and back Labour’s plans to freeze energy bills.
"For some time now, I have been urging all the key agencies and organisations in Barnsley to work together on this important issue. I was heartened when last month Barnsley Council held a Winter Summit, bringing everyone together to produce a co-ordinated solution.
"We shall soon see the publication of the council’s strategy for dealing with excess winter deaths in Barnsley - and I look forward to working with them on this vital issue."
