Warm Home Discount denied to thousands with disabilities
April 21, 2022
With energy bills rising 14 times faster than wages, households this winter are predicted to see a fall in real-wage income by nearly £1,000. British Gas further estimates that energy bills will reach a record average of nearly £693 a year. This will have a disproportionate impact on people with M.E, which be compounded by the Government’s recent amendments to the eligibility of the Warm Home Discount.
Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive of Action for M.E. said:
“The UK is facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, which is falling disproportionately on those with chronic health conditions like M.E. Our community regularly faces unnecessary barriers and difficulties in claiming the welfare support that they desperately need. It is hugely disappointing that the Government has limited the ability for thousands of people with disabilities across the UK to access the Warm Home Discount. We have heard too many stories from people with M.E. facing financial difficulties because of their illness. We are calling on Government to rethink its position and extend eligibility for the Warm Home Discount to include people with M.E.”
