Campaigners in South Yorkshire expect disabled people to be 'hit the hardest' by energy crisis

We've been speaking to 'Disabled People Against Cuts' in Sheffield on this topic

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 21st Mar 2022

Campaigners in South Yorkshire fear disabled people 'will suffer as much as anyone financially' once gas and electricity costs go up next month.

As a result, 'Disabled People Against Cuts' in Sheffield want the Chancellor to offer more support in his Spring Budget this week.

It's as household energy bills are due to increase by up to 54% next month following Ofgem's announcement earlier this year.

Jennifer Jones from the organisation says it'll have a huge impact:

"If you're a disabled person, you're far more likely to have a lot of other outgoing costs, as well as equipment that needs to be kept on in your home.

"Things such as electric wheelchairs, oxygen machines, dialysis machines; I mean people aren't just given these items.

"If you are born with a disability or become disabled in a way that means you need mobility aids, you have to save up or raise funds to get this type of equipment.

"You also have to pay out to keep it going as well.

"All of these extra costs will make life even more difficult for people in the disabled community."

Rishi Sunak is due to unveil his Spring Budget on Wednesday.

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