Sanders - Government must help those with disabilities meet to costs of rising fuel bills

MP for Torbay Adrian Sanders has today called on the Government to review how energy support cost mechanisms such as the Winter Fuel Payment can be extended to cover

The beginning of 2008 has seen double digit increases by a number of gas and electricity providers.

Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) estimates that the latest increases will force an additional 420,000 households into fuel poverty, joining the 4 million households already struggling to afford their fuel bills in the UK. 

Adrian commented:

“I have written to the Government on a number of occasions regarding this issue and I have always received a response that states that disabled persons can claim Disability Living Allowance to help them with the additional costs they may face.  However, when it comes to fuel charges, to state that the increases can be covered by DLA payments is unrealistic, unfair, and shows how little the Government understands the financial pressures facing those with disabilities.  

“The Government must reassess their current support mechanisms like the Winter Fuel Payment.  No one in this country should have to choose between food and warmth when it comes to budgeting”