Disabled Left Out In The Cold This Winter, Finds Papworth Trust Survey

I’ve just been sent the following press release by Helen Sampson at Papworth Trust:

• Disabled people were twice as likely to go without heating, food, clothes and leisure activities last winter because of a lack of money

• Over 86% of Britons who aren’t disabled support extending Winter Fuel Payments to severely disabled people

There is overwhelming support for the Liberal Democrats’ manifesto promise to extend Winter Fuel Payments to severely disabled people, according to new evidence revealed today by leading disability charity Papworth Trust.

Annual Winter Fuel Payments are currently given to help with heating costs in households which include someone over 60. Like older people, many disabled people find themselves at home for long periods each day, and need central heating to keep warm. Papworth Trust’s survey, based on a sample of almost 1,000 people across Britain, shows that disabled people are actually three times more likely than non-disabled people to stay at home during the daytime in winter months. But disabled people can’t always afford to put on the heating when they are stuck at home.

Rob, a 49 year old wheelchair-user with MS says “If I don’t use the heating my joints get stiff and I find it hard to move around. I’ve only just managed to pay off 2009’s fuel bill, and I’m worried that this year’s bill will be even higher.”

Papworth Trust Chief Executive Adrian Bagg says “Winter Fuel Payments were intended to reduce financial hardship for people whose health could be at risk if they did not turn on their heating. Our survey shows that disabled people are three times more likely to have concerns as winter approaches. We believe that existing government cuts will cause more disabled people to struggle financially; these payments could be a lifeline this winter.”

If you would like to see the full survey results, or to speak to Rob or another case study, please email helen.sampson@papworth.org.uk or call 07528361511 or 01480 357259.