Local authorities have a key role in helping older people have a better quality of life.

Pensioners often face a tough time during the winter.

Local authorities can provide short-term care but also important information about available benefits.

The cold weather claims thousands of older people’s lives every year – something that campaign groups say could be easily avoided.

“Thousands of older people will find these plummeting temperatures a real danger to their health,” Richard Wilson, senior policy officer at Help the Aged. “The risk of falls increases, as do instances of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia.”

“To the UK's national shame, between 20,000 and 50,000 older people die of cold related illnesses each year,” he added.