Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis slammed the government, saying the 29 per cent rise in winter deaths is a 'national disgrace'.
Following the release of the national statistic figures, Mr Jarvis said: "It's a national disgrace that so many people are dying each year because they are too scared to turn on the heating.
"This year many people will have to choose between heating and eating. Ministers need to take urgent action and back Labour's plans to freeze energy bills."
He said he raised the issue with Prime Minister David Cameron in February 2012 and January this year, adding: "The situation has got increasingly worse, as these shocking statistics illustrate."
Mr Jarvis has encouraged key organisations in Barnsley to work together and a 'winter summit' was held last month by the council. He said the council's strategy for dealing with excess winter deaths would be published soon.
