Act now to spare disabled people a winter of poverty

‘People are using candles instead of lights, going days without food’

- James Taylor

OLDER disabled people have endured several difficult winters in a row. This one is set to be the most chilling.

Government's The decision to restrict the winter fuel payment, combined with bills increasing by 10% next month, will leave many disabled pensioners fearful of turning on the thermostat.

It transpires that more than 1.5 million disabled people are set to lose out. We are worried many will have no other source of funds to help pay their bills.

By taking this approach, the Government seems to be ignoring the crucial point that money just does not go as far when you're disabled. Using pension credit to means-test whether an individual receives financial support for their energy bills doesn't take into account that life is more expensive when you're disabled.

At Scope we know that life as a disabled person can cost an enormous amount more. Our research has found that disabled households need an additional £975 monthly just to have the same living standards as others.

Many disabled households have no choice but to spend more on energy. Our helpline is inundated with calls from people who have cut back everything they can. They're now racking up energy debt, and have nowhere to turn.