Locality data withheld after 20 heat-linked deaths

The Health Ministry confirmed that 20 people aged between 55 and 89 died from conditions directly or indirectly linked to July’s extreme heat. It did not answer questions identifying the localities, which had been asked to examine any overlap with the areas suffering the most power cuts. Momentum also sought the information through a freedom-of-information request. The refusal said the requested material was publicly available or would be published within three months. Momentum argued that timely disclosure was necessary for public-health accountability.