MPs to hear from disabled people and carers on rising cost of living
The Women and Equalities Committee will take evidence from disabled people and carers of disabled people on how they are affected by the rising cost of living in the UK. MPs will examine the challenges disabled people and their carers are facing due to increased food and energy costs as well as the effectiveness of Government support.
Witnesses include Abigail Broomfield, the creator of a petition which called on the Government to make all disabled people and unpaid carers eligible for the £650 cost of living payment.
According to Scope, disabled people face on average £583 in extra costs per month. There are more than 14.6 million disabled people in the UK, and an estimated 4.2 million people providing unpaid care. Organisations advocating for these groups will also give evidence.
Meeting details
Chair's comment
Commenting ahead of the session, the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, said: “Having already faced disproportionate hardship during the pandemic, it is very concerning that disabled people and their carers are some of the hardest hit by rising food and energy prices. Many are facing dire choices to keep lifesaving, essential, equipment running.
“We want to hear from disabled people and carers directly about the kinds of challenges they are facing and what support they need from Government.”