Directors of public health and local authority leaders have urged people to check on the most vulnerable as temperatures across the country drop.

The Local Government Association (LGA) warned that some of the most vulnerable people may be at risk from the cold because the cost of energy means many are switching on their heating less frequently than in previous years.

Those who are most at risk from freezing temperatures are the elderly, those with respiratory conditions, circulatory disease and dementia. On average there are around 25,000 excess deaths during the winter period, with 85% of these being from those aged 75 and over.

The LGA called on the Government to ensure that data is shared with councils and the NHS to help identify those at the greatest risk in local communities, particularly those not currently known to statutory agencies.

The association reminded people that councils are providing warm spaces in libraries, community halls and various local venues, and stressed that council teams were on standby to help those in need.

However, they also urged people to check on their neighbours and anyone else they may know who may be particularly vulnerable from the effects of the cold.

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: ‘We all know that the significant drop in temperatures we are currently experiencing could bring about health risks to those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

‘As the cost of living has increased, we are concerned there will be more people this winter who may not be able to switch their heating on, putting them at greater risk from illness relating to the cold.’