Upgrading existing homes to an adequate level of energy efficiency would greatly benefit older people, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) stated recently.

Director of external affairs at the federation Brian Berry noted that "if all homes were upgraded to a sufficient standard" then it would reduce the number of old people dying due to hypothermia.

Mr Berry called on the government to offer incentives to households that make their properties more energy efficient, stating that reduced stamp duty and repair charges would be good examples of such financial benefits.

He added that low-income families would also benefit from property upgrades.

Established over 60 years ago, the FMB is the largest trade association in the UK building industry.

Older people were recently encouraged by the British Gas Help the Aged Partnership to make the most of benefits offered to them during the winter period using the campaign slogan "you've got to claim it to gain it."