Disabled households are twice as likely to be struggling with the cost-of-living crisis than non-disabled households, with disabled people forced to cut back on heating, food and washing as well as basic essentials, according to new findings.
The latest research conducted by disability equality charity Scope found that 91% of respondents to their survey said they are worried about their energy bills, and 45% stated that they are not planning on using heating, even when it gets cold.
This reflects increasing demands for Scope’s support services, with over 70,000 people visiting their site for help between February and July 2022. Scope also experienced a 500% increase in referrals made to their Disability Energy Support service.
Calls being made to Scope’s helpline are also on the rise, with safeguarding concerns being flagged as callers describe feeling suicidal due to the rising costs.
The charity is now warning Prime Minister Liz Truss that life for disabled people will descend into a ‘Dickensian dystopia’ if she fails to provide targeted financial support.
Impact on disabled people
Abigail Broomfield is scared about the cutbacks she is planning to make as she fears the impact on her health.
The 30-year-old from Leicester has fibromyalgia, PMDD (pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder), asthma, Raynauds, anxiety, depression and specific learning differences, including ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia.
‘Since I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2018, my living costs have doubled on specific things,’ she tells Metro.co.uk.
‘My food costs are more expensive as I need specific foods that don’t exacerbate stomach issues linked with my fibromyalgia.
‘In addition, if no one is able to assist me on certain days and I am in too much pain to prepare and cook food myself, I have to rely on takeaways, which can be expensive.’
Abigail struggles to regulate her temperature, so she relies on her central heating, even during summer.
‘I have been known to have my heating on in August,’ she says. ‘I also shower more often as the warm water helps with pain.’
Transport is another issue for Abigail.
‘If I have a hospital appointment, it can cost up to £30 to take a taxi there and back on the six-mile journey,’ she shares.
‘Yet the mobility component of PIP (Personal Independence Payment), which I am entitled to, has not increased enough to help me cover these extra costs, despite increases in the cost of fuel.’
As a result of this cost of living crisis, Abigail has already had to make many sacrifices.
‘I have cut social reasons for leaving the house as I can’t afford the taxi fares. I haven’t turned my heating on,’ she tells us.
‘I have stopped ordering food on my bad days, so sometimes I live on small accessible snacks rather than having an evening meal. And I have cut back on showers, even though warm water can help my pain.
‘I am scared and dreading what else I may have to cut back on. I know it’s going to become a choice between eating or heating. My mental health is already taking a beating from the stress, and I can only imagine it will get worse.’
The situation is equally daunting for Lauren and her six-year-old son Cohen, who has two genetic deletions leading to specific medical issues.
‘He needs to be fed through a tube directly into his intestines at a slow rate, meaning his pump is on for 18 hours a day,’ Lauren tells us.
‘He has some kidney, and bowel issues, so he needs his clothes washed a lot. We try to keep it to one load of washing per day, but some days it just isn’t possible.
‘We’re having to work out what we can turn off this winter to save money.’
What should the government be doing?
Scope’s survey found that disabled people want government intervention urgently.
83% of respondents called for a price freeze at the current energy price cap level until April 2023, while 76% said they want to see a doubling of the £150 Government payment to disabled people on non-means tested benefits.
James Taylor, executive director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said: ‘This winter we are on the verge of plunging into a Dickensian dystopia, where disabled people’s lives are on the line because they can’t afford to eat or stay warm.
‘Personal hygiene and dignity are turning into luxuries many disabled people won’t be able to afford.
‘Scope has heard from so many disabled people who are having to choose between being warm and powering life-saving equipment.
‘Parents of disabled children who are having to skip meals so their kids can eat. It’s shameful that disabled people are being forced into grim choices like these.
‘This is an emergency for disabled people. Our new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, must seize control of this situation and act now.
‘Freezing the price cap will provide reassurance to the nation, but we also need increased, targeted financial support for disabled people who often need to use more energy to manage health conditions.
‘It’s a fact that life costs more if you are disabled. The last few turbulent years of the pandemic and spiralling costs have added to this, leaving many disabled households in debt and on the brink.
‘No more sticking plaster policies. We urge our new Prime Minister to tackle the scandal of disability poverty.’
Ruth Owen, CEO of disability charity Leonard Cheshire, is also calling for urgent action to protect disabled people and those on low incomes.
‘Now the leadership race is over… Liz Truss must act quickly by increasing benefits in line with inflation,’ she said.
‘The government must restore eligibility for the Warm Home Discount for everyone receiving Personal Independence Payment (benefits for people with long-term physical or mental health conditions or disabilities).
‘The government also needs to work with Ofgem and energy companies to create a social tariff for disabled people who have high energy usage due to their disability.
‘A sustainable funding plan for social care is crucial, alongside a firm commitment that recent social care reforms will be implemented.
‘An August report from the Levelling Up Committee showed social care needs at least an additional £7.1billion just to plug existing gaps in funding.
‘The new Prime Minister must urgently map out long-term solutions for social care funding so disabled people can live their lives to the full.’
Help with living costs
Call Scope’s helpline to get free advice on managing your bills and as well as finding out about the support you may be able to receive.
Check if you’re eligible for other government support on their website.
See what help there is for your gas and electricity bills.
Find local free food and food banks.
Scope also offers assistance in managing your mental health.
For more help and guidance from Scope, go to their website.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/09/disabled-people-are-giving-up-basic-essentials-due-to-the-cost-of-living-crisis-17323285/
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