Winter deaths in Ayrshire fall to pre-pandemic levels

Winter mortality rates fell to their lowest level since the Covid-19 pandemic in Ayrshire last year.

Statistics released by the National Records of Scotland revealed that 1,828 people died in the county during winter 2023-24 - down by 9.9 per cent on the previous winter.

The news has prompted fears that cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment could reverse progress made.

READ MORE: Eviction threat has left large cloud hanging over us, say chalet owners

READ MORE: Kilmarnock girl lands lead role of Annie in Pantheon Theatre production

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Elena Whitham, said that around 900,000 Scottish pensioners would be “worse off” this winter and Ayr MSP, Siobhian Brown, added that “we cannot ignore the significant number of people still struggling to make ends meet”.

In Ayrshire, the highest winter mortality rate was in North Ayrshire where 685 deaths were recorded in 2023-24 - down by 60 from the previous year.

East Ayrshire saw the largest drop in winter mortality of the three Ayrshire council areas after 550 deaths were recorded - down by 107.

In South Ayrshire, there were 593 deaths last winter - down by 34 on the previous year.

Winter 2022-23 was the first winter which saw more than 2,000 deaths in Ayrshire.

Across Scotland, there were 21,983 deaths registered last winter - down by 10 per cent on the previous year.

Philipa Haxton, head of vital events statistics at National Records of Scotland, said: “Whilst these new figures are lower than the previous winter, the number of winter deaths has generally been increasing over the last decade.

“We know that Scotland’s population is ageing and that older age groups are affected most by the seasonal increase in mortality in winter.

“For people aged 85 and over there were 11 per cent more deaths over the winter period compared to the non-winter months. This compares to 7 per cent for those aged under 65.

“Winter deaths are more common among females who tend to live longer.”

Ayr MSP Ms Brown said: “Whilst it’s encouraging to see the reduction in winter mortality rates, we cannot ignore the significant number of people still struggling to make ends meet during the colder months.

“The Winter Fuel Payment cut will only compound this, and to introduce means testing, is a step in the wrong direction in my opinion. This policy will hit the most vulnerable hardest, particularly the WASPI women who have already been unfairly sidelined in the budget.

“These are the same people who will bear the brunt of cuts, just as we’re seeing improvements in health outcomes.

“I have already spoken to constituents who are worried about how they’ll manage this winter, and it

is clear these cuts will only add to their financial hardship.

“The Scottish Government however remains committed to supporting the vulnerable but it’s clear that cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment undermine these efforts and create unnecessary pressures on every budget.”

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Ms Whitham, said: “I welcome the news that winter deaths in Ayrshire have fallen to their lowest level since the pandemic.

“We know that this is a time of year when fuel costs and health conditions rise. That is why the Scottish Government is providing as much support to struggling households as possible.

“However, I am greatly concerned about the UK Labour Government’s decision to means test this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.

“This was made without any consultation with Scottish Government Ministers and will leave around 900,000 Scottish pensioners worse off this winter. When in opposition, Labour’s own research found that means testing the payment would result in excess deaths.

“They must rethink this decision and start looking out for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter