The UK government has recently introduced a new home energy efficiency scheme (known as Warm Front) to improve the energy efficiency of dwellings of those on low income. The aim of this scheme is partly to tackle the adverse health consequences (including winter death) of inadequate home heating. This is the first study to make a direct connection between the risk of winter mortality and housing quality in England. It demonstrates that people living in homes that are difficult or costly to heat are at increased risk of winter/cold-related death.