I read with deep concern of the number of people dying during our winters. Such deaths are unnecessary.

If properties are in a poor state of repair it is the duty of the council to do something about it.

I am sure most councils do all they can to help their residents.

My council wrote to me asking if I would like my property insulated against the cold.

It also suggested I could be entitled to council tax rebate. So the facilities are there to be made use of.

In addition, pensioners more than 60 years old are entitled to £200 fuel allowance per household, plus another £50 if they are over 80 years of age.

Pensioners' tax credit can be another source of income. Many pensioners need more help from social services and I am sure they could get this if someone helped them get in touch.

The reason for these deaths is, it is assumed, cold weather. But we do not get the cold winters we used to have. In fact, we have many more mild days than cold.

In my view, many people need the help to get these facilities they are entitled to and I am sure this would save thousands of unnecessary deaths each winter.

-VA Gander, Balcombe