Woman, 87, died from hypothermia ‘for fear of high energy bills’, inquest hears

Barbara Bolton, from Bury, Greater Manchester, had refused to put her heating on despite pleas from family

An 87-year-old woman who repeatedly refused to put on her heating due to fears over high energy bills died from profound hypothermia after being found slumped in her home, an inquest has heard.

Barbara Bolton was discovered by her grandson at her kitchen table unable to speak on 11 December 2022. Medics found she had a body temperature of just 28C; a normal temperature is 37C.