More than 10,000 people will die this winter due to rising energy bills in ‘humanitarian crisis’, NHS boss warns

NHS Chiefs have warned that more than 10,000 Brits could die this winter as they turn off heaters because of rocketing bills.

The NHS Confederation, a group representing trusts across Britain, wrote to Nadhim Zahawi today, pleading with the Chancellor to do more to tackle eye watering bills.

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More than 10,000 people could die this winter because of spiralling energy bills, NHS bosses have warned[/caption]

The group warned Britain faces a “humanitarian crisis” if struggling families are forced to choose between food and heat.

Next April annual energy costs could hit a staggering £5,300.

Around 10,000 people die each winter from causes related to the cold.

Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, warned that number could tragically rise because of spiralling inflation.

He said: “Many people could face the awful choice between skipping meals to heat their homes and having to live in cold, damp and very unpleasant conditions.

“This in turn could lead to outbreaks of illness and sickness around the country and widen health inequalities, worsen children’s life chances and leave an indelible scar on local communities.”

No10 has maintained it won’t sign off on any new cost of living handouts, above those already announced.

Boris Johnson says it is for his successor to decide on any new policies.

In just over two weeks leadership frontrunner Liz Truss or underdog Rishi Sunak will be handed the keys to Downing Street.

Both wannabe PMs have vowed to make tackling mega bills a priority.

But they have different ideas about how to do it.

Rishi Sunak has sworn to slash VAT from energy bills straight away, saving households £200.

He’s also pledged to spend a further £5 billion helping out the hardest hit Brits, such as OAPs and low-income workers.

Ms Truss says nothing is off the table when it comes to supporting Britain through the crisis.

She wants to slash £30 billion worth of taxes, including the green energy levy and health and social care levy.

The cuts won’t have a huge effect on the poorest households, but Ms Truss says she will announce further plans for them if she wins the leadership race.