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A freezing mum-of-four died wrapped in a coat and scarf at home because she could not afford to put the heating on, her grieving family claim.

Elaine Morrall, who suffered from an eating disorder and mental health problems, was discovered dead at her home in Runcorn, Cheshire, earlier this month, the Liverpool Echo reports.

Ms Morrall's heartbroken mum Linda claims her daughter only switched the heating on when her children got home from school.

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She said the 38-year-old's Employment Support Allowance (ESA) benefits were stopped because she was too ill to attend a meeting.

In an open letter posted to Facebook - which has been widely shared on social media - Linda slammed the government for "killing vulnerable people".

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Linda wrote: “My daughter lived in Boston Ave. She died on the afternoon of 2 November, 2017 at home on her own. She was 38yrs[sic].

“In the cold with her coat & scarf on. Because she wouldn’t put her heating on until her kids came home from school. Why?? Because she couldn’t afford it.

“Because she was severely depressed. Suffered from eating disorder & many other problems for many years.

“Mainly due to authoritarians of one form or another. I can give you details. Was in & out of hospital in recent months in intensive care.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

“But was deemed not ill enough for ESA [Employment and Support Allowwance]. Had her benefits stopped numerous times, which in turn stopped her housing benefit.

“No income but expected to be able to pay full rent. Was told being in intensive care was not sufficient reason for failing to attend a universal credit interview.

“I went to the job centre to inform them that she couldn’t attend. But benefits stopped again.

“Uncaring housing taking her to court. She’s due to go to court on Monday. Is being dead now enough reason? Is that what’s had to happen to prove she was ill?

“How many people have got to die before this government realises they are killing vulnerable people??

“What are you and your fellow councillors going to do to protect your constituents?”

The statement has been shared widely by thousands of people online who are appalled at the incident - with many saying they were 'shocked and appalled' and asking: "Why is this allowed to happen?"

Facebook user Pat Winters said: "FUMING !!! such a sad loss of life. A mum died alone and cold in her freezing home after her benefits were stopped because she was too ill to attend a meeting, according to her grieving family."

Another, Andrew Coates, said "At Ipswich Unemployed Action we get used to bad stories, written on our site by people who've undergone really bad treatment by the DWP/Private Providers and above all because of Universal Credit. But this one is the most heart-rending ever."

Welfare Weekly also ran the story under the headline: "How many have to die before this Government realises they’re killing vulnerable people".

Halton MP Derek Twigg , who is now working with the family, said: “It is a very tragic case and I am providing assistance to my constituent.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Morrall’s family at this difficult time.

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“We understand that people can’t always attend appointments, which is why we will re-arrange alternative times.

“Assessment decisions are made with consideration of all the information provided, including supporting evidence from a GP or medical specialist.

“Anyone who disagrees with a decision can appeal.”

Jonathan Horsfall, Halton Housing Trust debt recovery manager, said: “We always follow strict procedures around arrears.

“We strive to find solutions with our customers and have intensive support workers who enable us to do so where possible.

“Our support services are on offer to those who we know are in arrears, and are always reached out to for support.

“If customers are concerned about arrears we always encourage anyone to get in touch with us as early as possible in the arrears process so we can do all we can to help.”