Long-term improvements are positive but do not solve immediate challenges faced by disabled people

National disability charity, Sense, comments on today’s Queen’s Speech.

10 May 2022 – As today’s Queen’s Speech promised to ‘improve living standards’ and ‘bring forward an Energy Bill to deliver the transition to cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy’, national disability charity Sense, is calling on Government to imminently deliver support for disabled people and their families to help tackle the cost of living crisis they’re facing.

Research by Sense shows that more than three quarters (78%) of disabled people fear the rising cost of living will push them into debt.

Disabled people already face higher living costs, paying more for essential goods and services, like heating, insurance, equipment and therapies. The fear is that, without Government support, soaring energy prices and increasing fuel and food costs will push many into debt. 

Sense is calling on the Government to increase welfare benefits to avoid a catastrophe for disabled people and their families.  

Richard Kramer, Chief Executive of national disability charity Sense, said:  

“For many disabled people the cost-of-living crisis is about the difference between living and surviving.   

“They already face higher living costs, paying more for essential goods and services, and the fear is that spiralling costs will push many into debt. 

“Disabled people and their families now face horrendous decisions, such as whether they can afford to put on the heating or have a meal. 

“The promise in today’s Queen’s Speech for long-term improvements to living standards, the economy and for cheaper energy is positive but it does not solve the immediate challenges disabled people are facing – we need to increase welfare benefits now to avoid catastrophe.”