Extra Government cash to help disabled people survive the cost of living crisis couldn't be more vital - but the payments on offer don't go far enough.
That's the view of a Northumberland mum and disability rights campaigner, who said the measures announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Thursday will be 'merely a token' to people whose medical needs necessitate huge spending on energy bills. Over recent months, disability organisations across the North East have raised concerns about the impact of the cost of living crisis on disabled people, highlighting how needs for constant heating or electricity to run vital medical equipment make many especially vulnerable as bills skyrocket.
The Government ;cost of living support' announcement included a £150 payment to around six million claiming disability benefits, alongside a separate £650 payment for those claiming means-tested benefits, many of whom are disabled or unwell.
Ellington mum Rachel Curtis, 40, is a full-time carer for her daughter Betsy, four, who has Down's Syndrome, and is herself disabled. She said it was 'a step forward' that the chancellor had listened to people calling for extra support for disabled people - but argued the payment was simply too low to make a difference.
Rachel said: "I'm pleased that the government have acknowledged that disabled people do have extra energy and living costs, as opposed to non-disabled people. While £150 will help towards bills, it is in no way sufficient to cover the costs of running medical equipment and heating a home.
"I've seen some disabled people facing £5000-6000 bills and terrified. When put into context, £150 is merely a token. The government need to increase disability benefits in line with inflation and give real financial support to people who simply have to use energy to stay well or, even alive."
Rachel, who had to give up work to look after daughter Betsy, has previously highlighted the low rate of Carer's Allowance, the government payment of £69.70 a week for people who care for someone for at least 35 hours a week. She argues the payment of, at most, £1.99 an hour for providing vital care doesn't offer carers enough support, and she slammed the fact that they won't get anything extra in the new cost of living measures.
She added: "I think it is important to recognise the fact that, once again, carers have been ignored in this situation. A lot of carers do not live with the person they care for, but simultaneously have had to give up work in order to care for their loved one.
"Not being disabled themselves means they will not be eligible for even the meagre £150. Once again, radio silence on Carer's Allowance. Is it because the government know this benefit is not fit for purpose?"
The government says the scheme offers a 'highly progressive' package of support which is 'targeted particularly on those with the greatest need'.
Announcing the payments, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "We know that people are facing challenges with the cost of living and that is why today I’m stepping in with further support to help with rising energy bills.
"We have a collective responsibility to help those who are paying the highest price for the high inflation we face. That is why I’m targeting this significant support to millions of the most vulnerable people in our society. I said we would stand by people and that is what this support does today.
"It is also right that those companies making extraordinary profits on the back of record global oil and gas prices contribute towards this. That is why I’m introducing a temporary Energy Profits Levy to help pay for this unprecedented support in a way that promotes investment."
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