WHAT a disgraceful situation in this, the 21st century: 25,000 deaths of elderly people in England and Wales every winter, either because they can’t afford to or dare not heat their homes adequately because of the high energy costs.

How can this be happening in one of the richest countries in the world?

At the risk of being pilloried by the PC brigade, I would suggest that charity should begin at home. One elderly person’s death because of the cold is one too many.

Graham Hayden, Malvern Avenue, York.