We sign joint letter to Chancellor

Community Integrated Care has joined Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) and over 75 other organisations from the Disability Sector in signing a joint letter to Government, calling for urgent support with the cost of living for disabled people.

Writing to the chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, the letter calls for him to address the challenges faced by the sector in the Government’s Autumn Statement – urging for increased support for disabled households through the ongoing cost of living crisis, in recognition that disabled people have been disproportionately affected by the cost of living.

The letter states, “We are acutely aware that the cost of living crisis has not gone away. As we approach a second winter, the situation will only get worse. Disabled people continue to be at the sharpest end, facing the double blow of low incomes and unavoidable higher costs for heating, eating, transport and other essentials. Too many disabled people and their families are already at breaking point.”

“As a sector we feel let down that the UK Government has not launched a consultation on an energy social tariff. A discounted energy tariff would protect disabled households struggling with their energy bills from price increases.”

“It’s vital that benefits are set at a level that means disabled people can afford the essentials. This means being able to put food on the table, heat their home, and charge vital equipment. Too often we hear that benefits, including disability benefits, fall woefully short.”

Read the full letter to the Chancellor.