The disabled community is set to be hardest hit by the upcoming energy crisis.

Who would have thought it <eye roll>?

With the first of what commentators are calling ‘scary’ and ‘catastrophic’ increases in the energy price cap set to drop next month, some people with disabilities will face the stark choice of either eating or heating.

October’s price cap rise to £3,549 looks set to be small fry next to January’s expected rise to £4,266, that’s more than double the current figure at the time of writing in early September.

Goodness only know what could happen after that.

Energy crisis

 

Yet while everyone in the country looks set to be affected by the rising cost of energy, it is the disabled community which faces extra stress over things that are as essential in their lives as heating their homes and switching a light on.

Some people need breathing machines to stay alive, other needs hoists to get in and out of baths and beds, while thousands of disabled people use wheelchairs.

None of those things are going to power themselves.

A red-haired woman in a wheelchair types on a laptop at home
Can people afford to heat their homes this winter?

Disabled people often need more energy to use the things that aid their day-to-day routine so will be racking up even higher bills. There is no option for them to cut back those costs.

This month, those who receive non-means tested benefits including Disability Living Allowance, will receive a one-off payment of £150. Call me a cynic, but I am not sure that is going to make much of a difference.

Package of support

 

Will the new Prime Minister be offering any more handouts or will No.10 – and No.11 of course – be able to come up with a more progressive and long-lasting package of support for disabled people?

What about a discounted energy tariff for disabled customers that not only helps them reduced the cost of essential energy right now – but is able to see them through the upcoming 12-18 months of rising costs and high inflation?

Worringly, news bulletins are already showing disabled people skipping meals to save money for what is to come this winter.

It’s time for the Government to show the disabled community that they are in their thoughts and that they genuinely care about their welfare.

That time is now.

Read more: BLOG: “If I am going to be paralysed, I may as well be really good at it”

Read more: Government must take its chance to level-up for disabled people too.