Scunthorpe mum tells us rising energy costs are hitting disabled families even harder

It comes as new figures suggest almost half of people are worried about the monthly cost of their energy bill

Energy meter
Author: Andy MarshPublished 15th Oct 2024

As new figures show nearly half of people are worried they won't be able to afford energy bills this month we've been hearing from a Scunthorpe mum about just how difficult it is for families who have someone with a disability.

Estimates suggest the average household bill could be around 17 hundred pounds annually .

We've been speaking to Lorna Fillingham who has a disabled daughter and says for families like hers the cost will be far greater.

She told us: "My daughter can't regulate her temperature very well so we need to have the heating on more than most families."

We have to batch cook and freeze because she has multiple allergies

"She has issues with incontinence so we have the washing machine on most days."

"We have to batch cook and freeze because she has multiple allergies."

"What the Government has done previously is that they've made funding available for people with a disability so families are supported."

"I think that needs to be looked at again in order to make sure disabled people aren't being put at risk."

I know they'll be families who are disproportionately affected

"All of those things add up for disabled people and their families."

"Often there's nothing you can cut back on to try and make savings."

"The unit prices are going to make life difficult for many people."

"They'll be families that have electric hoists who have got mobility scooters or power wheelchairs that need charging up in order to maintain their independence and go out to work."

"I know they'll be families who are disproportionately affected."

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