People with disabilities in the UK are far more likely to struggle to heat their homes and eat less food this winter, according to a report highlighting ‘massive’ income inequality amid tight living costs. expensive.
A study by the Resolution Foundation found that people with disabilities spend about 44% less than other working-age adults, making them significantly more exposed to rising prices for basic necessities.
According to an analysis of official statistics and a YouGov survey of just under 8,000 workers, the think tank found that there was a gap between the basic disposable income of people with disabilities (£19,397 a year) and the population without disabilities (£27,792). He said there was a gap. Of those, more than 2,000 reported long-term illness or disability.
Highlighting the risks to households suffering from the highest rate of inflation since the early 1980s, almost half (48%) of adults with disabilities said they had to reduce their energy use this winter, while Almost a third of people with disabilities are disabled.
Up to two-fifths (41%) of people with disabilities say they cannot afford to keep their homes warm compared to 23% of the population without disabilities.
People with disabilities are likely to be much poorer than the rest of the population, with up to a third of adults in the lowest income households have a disability
The Resolution Foundation said the income disparity is only partially explained by declining employment rates for workers with disabilities. , have shown that people with disabilities who are working are at higher risk of low income than other people with disabilities.
The figure comes after the government planned to make cost-of-living payments to millions of households receiving means-tested benefits from April.
About 8 million people will receive £900 in three installments. His second living payment of £300 in the fall. and a third cost of living payment of £299 due next spring.
A further £300 will be paid to pensioners in the winter of 2023/24 and more than 6 million people with disabilities will receive another £150 payment as part of the scheme.
However, the Resolution Foundation said, given the additional financial pressures it faces amid the cost of living crisis, additional support measures will be needed to help people with disabilities.
Charlie McCurdy, economist at the Resolution Foundation, said that while soaring prices for essential commodities are affecting people across the UK, people with disabilities are being hit hardest. rice field.
“This means that people with disabilities, who make up one third of the poorest households in the UK, will need additional protection during the cost of living crisis. I admit it,” he said.
“But more policy work will be needed, not only through this crisis, but also to close the enormous income gap that already existed between the disabled and the rest of the population.”
A government spokesman said the government is committed to protecting the most vulnerable and recognizes that persons with disabilities face additional costs. In addition, disability benefits will increase in line with inflation from April, they added.
“We have a variety of initiatives to help people with disabilities start, stay and succeed in work, including customized work coach support to help them earn more. included.”
