Hello and welcome to this week's Local Politics newsletter.

Our front page this week is about Age UK being "particularly concerned" for the well-being of the elderly in Oxfordshire as we approach winter.

This comes as parts of the county were hit by snow as temperatures dropped to below freezing this week.

On top of this, South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) said it is seeing "earlier than usual" winter pressures due to handover delays at hospitals.

Unfortunately, this is not the only concern for the county as we head into colder weather.

A yellow health alert was issued for Oxfordshire by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) this week, which means that forecast weather is likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services.

SCAS said the biggest impact of sustained periods of cold weather is on the health of the most vulnerable – the elderly and those with long-term health conditions that are exacerbated by cold temperatures.

The service also said it is aware that this winter will be "challenging", especially as the NHS as a whole is "busier than ever" going into winter 2024/25.

Of course, it is important to check in on the elderly every winter.

But this winter, more than ever, higher pressures on the NHS mean it is vital councils and the community look out for the elderly and do what they can to support them.

SCAS is urging people to check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be elderly or otherwise at increased risk due to a pre-existing medical condition.

Age UK echoes this and says checking in on the elderly can involve ensuring that they are warm, have all the prescription medications they need and have sufficient food and drink to last the next few days so they don’t need to venture out.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said: “The NHS is going into winter under more pressure and busier than ever before, with another record month for A&E and ambulance services before we even start to see a further spike of pressure caused by colder weather and the spread of winter viruses."

Dr Ed Capo Bianco, an Oxfordshire GP, stresses the importance of keeping yourself well this winter.

"Having a personal winter plan might include stocking up on the cold and flu medicines in your medicine cabinet at home, as well as thinking about other supplies that can help you manage if we have a cold snap," said Dr Bianco.

"It is also important to make sure that if you do have a long-term condition like diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure you take your prescribed medication and attend any review appointments that are due.

“If you do fall ill, you can get helpful advice from your local pharmacy or get in touch with 111 online or by phone.

"And don’t forget to download the NHS App, it has lots of advice on hundreds of conditions and can help you access health services.”