Government’s Cost-of-Living Support Payments Inadequate for Disabled People, Report Finds

In a report published by the all-party Work And Pensions Committee of MPs, it has been revealed that the Government’s one-off cost-of-living support payments are falling short in protecting the most vulnerable and providing vital support for those on the lowest incomes. The Committee found that while the support payments were welcomed, they were insufficient to address the scale of the problem and only offered temporary relief for many individuals.

Disabled people, who face additional costs during a cost-of-living crisis, are particularly affected by the inadequacy of the support payments. Evidence from organizations like Mencap highlights that the £150 payment provided by the government is inadequate, as it merely replaces the warm home discount payment that many disabled individuals were previously eligible for. The payments only amount to £2.88 per week, which fails to meet the needs of disabled people who often require specific foods or have increased energy needs due to mobility and hygiene requirements.

The Committee’s report concludes that the government’s cost-of-living payments do not offer suitable support for disabled individuals who do not receive means-tested benefits. However, in response to the report, the Department of Work and Pensions has defended the payments, stating that over 6.4 million disabled people have received an additional £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment. The government justifies setting the payment levels based on means-tested benefits, aiming to provide the highest amount to those with the lowest incomes.

The Disability Poverty Campaign Group (DPCG) has addressed a letter to Claire Coutinho, the Secretary of State for Energy Security, emphasizing the urgent need for discussions between her department and the DPCG. The group highlights the concerning decline in living standards for disabled people, exacerbated by the cancellation of plans for an energy social tariff and the allowance for prepayment meters to be forced onto struggling households. The DPCG calls for stronger and better government intervention and financial support, including the resurrection of the energy social tariff through consultation with utility firms and representatives from the disabled community. The group warns that without adequate support, disabled individuals will be unable to use energy, leading to more health problems, risks to life, and increased hospital admissions.

The House of Commons Energy Security and Net Zero Committee has previously estimated that living in a cold home caused 4,706 excess winter deaths in England during 2022/23. They warn that without further government support, another crisis is inevitable. The DPCG urges the government to deliver an effective package of financial support for disabled people and those facing high energy bills due to disability-related energy use. They stress the urgency of addressing the dire situation to ensure the safety, health, and independence of disabled individuals throughout the winter.

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