Europe UK CU- Inflation coupled with soaring energy prices has become a global crisis and with winter season approaching the situation has been a key concern for many British households, an issue Liz Truss addressed as she took on the role of Prime Minister.
A new study has indicated that 48% of disabled households have struggled to keep on the heating in their homes at some point this year, compared to 30% of non-disabled households.
In addition, 66% of disabled households have abstained from using their heating in comparison to 58% of non-disabled households, half have avoided cooking which was 48% compared to 30% of non-disabled households, and 44% have lowered the number of baths they taken in comparison 28% of non-disabled households.
The study further indicated that over a quarter of 29% of the households where someone is disabled are facing serious financial woes as opposed to 13% of other households.
The study was commissioned by the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust and evaluated by researchers at the University of Bristol, a continuing a series of reports which have been monitoring the personal finances of households since the beginning of the pandemic which sampled approximately 6,000 people, including 1,047 households in which someone was living with a disability severely restricting their activities.
Chair in Personal Finance at the University of Bristol, Professor Sharon Collard said “The research shows that disproportionate numbers of disabled people are finding it ever harder to make ends meet. Many face difficulties accessing well-paid jobs or sufficient financial support, and this is often compounded by the higher everyday costs that are necessary for disabled people to meet the same or equivalent living standards as non-disabled people. While the Government has provided some support to tackle the rising cost of living for disabled people, it is unlikely to be sufficient and longer-term solutions are certainly needed.”
