The number of deaths during the summer heatwave has been a “wake-up call” for social services departments, according to directors, writes Natasha Salari.

The Office for National Statistics said there were 907 more deaths in Britain in the week to 15 August than has been normal for the past five years. During that week temperatures soared to above 100F.

Local authorities have strategies to deal with the effects of the cold on older people in winter, but there is a lack of similar support and planning for the summer.

Glenys Jones, chairperson of the Association of Directors of Social Services older people's committee, said: “I think the whole country is geared up for the winter instead of the summer, and I think this has been a bit of a wake-up call.

"There is winter pressures money and those of us in social services have always been aware that there is an August pressure as well.”

Jane Alston, service manager for older people at Bournemouth Council, said: “We do have a huge winter programme, but because it’s so rare to have extremely hot weather there isn’t the equivalent in summer. This isn’t something I’d thought about before but I will do now.”