A charity has called for an ‘immediate increase’ in disability benefits and for more assistance with energy costs to help families with disabled children.
The Disabled Children's Partnership (DCP) – a coalition of 100 organisations – has said that the extra £150 that will be given to six million households this month is not enough to support families with disabled children.
Stephen Kingdom of Mencap, a DCP partner, said that it was ‘vital’ that the Government increase support.
‘Disabled children and their families were more likely to live in poverty even before the energy rises,’ he said.
‘Parents have to give up work to care and manage hospital appointments. They often have to pay for therapies or medical and educational support that authorities fail to provide. Add to this increased energy costs and that piles even more pressure on families.
‘It is vital, therefore, that the government takes additional action to support families through an immediate increase in disability benefits, as well as an energy assistance payment.’
