Finance

Report: Disabled People in UK Unable to Afford Heating and Food

JAN 4 2023·Updated JAN 5 2023

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Image credit: Reuters [via Aljazeera]

The Facts

A new report has found that disabled people in the UK are among the hardest hit by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Al Jazeera
The Resolution Foundation, an independent think-tank, said on Wednesday that more than 40% of people with a disability in the country could no longer afford to keep their homes warm compared to 23% of the non-disabled population.
Al Jazeera
The foundation also found that almost half of the disabled adults polled said that they're having to reduce their energy usage, and 31% reported having to reduce their food spending.
Morning Star
The foundation said that while recent government support will help millions in the short term, further action will be needed.
Morning Star
The report combined statistical analysis with a new YouGov survey of nearly 8k working-age adults, with more than 2k saying they have a long-term illness or disability.
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The findings indicate disabled people account for 23% of the working-age population, up from 17% in 2013. The report also noted disabled people are far more likely to be poor than the rest of the population.
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Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The government recognizes the vulnerability of people with disabilities, and is doing its utmost to offer support during the cost-of-living crisis. It has already launched a series of initiatives that include work support and extra disability benefits.

BBC News

Establishment-critical narrative

The support offered is not enough to offset the rising costs in the long-term. More policy work is needed to close the enormous income gaps that have existed far before this crisis between disabled people and the rest of the population.