Parents of disabled children are cutting back on food in order to keep lifesaving equipment running as energy costs soar, a North East charity says - and the Government isn't doing enough to help.
On Wednesday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a 'cost of living support' package, designed to help the worst-off deal with skyrocketing prices. It included a £150 payment to around six million people claiming disability benefits, alongside a separate £650 payment for those claiming means-tested benefits, many of whom are disabled or unwell.
But a number of individuals and disability organisations have said the cash won't be enough to help disabled people facing huge costs to run essential equipment like ventilators.
Among them are staff at the Chronicle Sunshine Fund, a North East charity providing essential specialist and adapted equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses. While they welcomed the government's recognition that disabled people and their families need extra help, the charity's team said the package 'does not go far enough'.
Family coordinator Bev Wright said: "It’s a small relief that the Chancellor has finally acknowledged the soaring additional costs many local families face when their child is reliant on medical and often lifesaving equipment in the home. We are grateful for the proposed financial help that was outlined in his announcement yesterday to support those households.
"We know it costs three times more to raise a child with disabilities and complex needs and our worry is that this new proposal does not go far enough. Studies show there is a direct link between disability and poverty and with the current cost of living crisis this means even more families we support will find themselves in serious financial difficulties."
The Sunshine Fund team help people access specialist kit that can cost thousands of pounds which most families would never be able to fund themselves. But now, they say, they're hearing from people who not only can't afford equipment - they're struggling to pay for food.
Bev added: "Parents calling our families helpline have expressed their increasing worries over the cost of living during the recent months and this often hits the household of families with disabled members the hardest. The financial assistance offered will give families some much-needed support however for some families this won’t go far enough.
"We know families who have no option but to cut back on essentials like food when their child’s health relies on a home ventilator, powered wheelchair, specialist electric bed or lift and tracking hoist system within the home.
"It’s simply not an option for these families to switch these devices off or limit their usage. As a charity, we aim to raise awareness of the continuing impact the energy crisis has on these households and the long term financial and health effects of our amazing families."
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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