People with Disabilities: Cost of Living

The hon. Member agreed that the cost of living support is insufficient and that social security and economic crisis created by this Government have plunged millions into poverty.

The Resolution Foundation reported that people with disabilities have 44% less available to spend compared to those without disabilities in the current economic crisis.

Responded that unlike the UK government, the Scottish government has worked with disabled individuals and benefits experts in designing their system, questioning the UK's humane treatment of people on welfare. I have a fundamental objection to assessments, noting that the expertise of those carrying out assessments is inadequate. In a recent case, someone was asked if their son still had autism, highlighting the broken nature of the system. He expressed concern about the additional costs faced by disabled people due to inflation, highlighting that households with specific dietary requirements pay up to 73% more for food. He noted that on average, disabled households need an extra £1,122 per month compared to non-disabled ones. Linden criticised the government's approach and emphasised the importance of removing societal barriers to achieve equality. There has been a bit of a problem whereby some cost of living payments have excluded those who have previously been sanctioned by the UK Government. People are being doubly penalised. The speaker asks the Minister to confirm that any regulations introduced will not include provisions to punish people further for previous sanctions.

Expressed concern that disabled people relying on social security may face dire consequences due to social security cuts compounded by the cost of living crisis, leading to potential loss of life.

Noted that Kevin Sinfield's fundraising efforts have raised awareness about the challenges faced by disabled individuals and their families more than government initiatives could do alone.

Asked why the Scottish Government would make it harder for people to access support through the PIP system when it is fully devolved. Pays tribute to the Minister and local organisations for their work in disability support. Highlights progress made under PIP, spending £12.5 billion more on help for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Proposes improvements such as widening severe conditions criteria to remove unnecessary assessments, using video/telephone assessment methods for greater specialisation, and focusing on disability employment support.

According to government statistics, 68% of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decisions appealed by claimants were overturned, highlighting a need for improvement in PIP assessments. She intervened to highlight an issue raised by Scope regarding the household support fund, which is designed to help vulnerable people but has not reached many disabled individuals. She agreed that it was shocking and urged for better awareness of available support. Called for a social tariff for energy to provide discounted bills for disabled people, older people and carers who face high costs. Also urged the Minister to discuss funding for advice centres that have been affected by local authority funding cuts.

The cost of living crisis has severely impacted people with disabilities, who already face lower incomes and additional costs related to their conditions. One constituent had to turn off his disabled son's oxygen concentrator due to rising energy bills, while another diabetic constituent can no longer afford the recommended diet due to food inflation.

Disabled people are disproportionately impacted by the cost of living crisis, with employment rates for disabled people at just over 53% compared to almost 83% for non-disabled people. This results in a disability pay gap of 13.8%, meaning disabled people earn £2 per hour less on average. Additionally, the 'disability price tag' has risen from £583 per month in 2019 to £975 per month in 2023, representing an increase of 63%.

Wendy Chamberlain highlighted the higher costs faced by disabled households, citing Scope's disability price tag report that found disabled households need an extra £1,100 on average to achieve the same standard of living as non-disabled households. She mentioned issues with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments and the lack of financial support for those with fluctuating conditions such as MS, ME, and long covid. Chamberlain also expressed concerns about delays in adult disability payment processing in Scotland and raised awareness of her Carer's Leave Bill, which aims to offer unpaid carers time off from their employment. The MP repeats a plea regarding carer's allowance, urging the government to allow carers to work while maintaining their carer's allowance.