the-energy-penalty-disability-and-fuel-poverty-pdf

Other additional costs can arise from the need to buy more clothes, forinstance, as a result of wear and tear on clothing arising from particularconditions or impairments (for example, if people have to use prosthetics).Some conditions or medical treatments can result in people gaining or losingweight, again leading to the need to replace clothing.Being able to prepare and cook food and other tasks, for example, is oftencritical for people’s independence and self-worth, and also to enable themto keep active. Equipment such as larger fridges and freezers to store foodmay be a necessity not a luxury, for instance, if people have mobilityproblems and are unable to shop frequently. Similarly, equipment such asfood processors may be essential if people have problems with poordexterity or strength to chop food. Microwave ovens may be needed ifpeople have difficulties in lifting kettles and other kitchen equipment.Being online is becoming increasingly important to participate in society,and it can offer a vital means of communication and information for manydisabled people. Also, shopping online is very important for many peoplewho have mobility problems or those who have difficulties in carryingshopping or pushing a trolley. Again this helps to enhance people’sindependence. Moreover, there is growing pressure from government forpeople to use online methods to claim benefits and access services.However, being online adds another set of costs to everyday living.Another increasingly significant factor which affects household financesstems from reductions in help available with social care costs (Scope et al2013). As a result of local authority reductions in the extent of helpavailable and tightening of eligibility criteria, more and more people arelikely to have to try to fund their care needs in part or in full. In addition,family members may have to give up work to provide informal care, whichhas knock-on effects on household income.Similarly, families with disabled children are at greater risk of poverty orlow income. Going without essentials and getting into debt to pay for food,heating and clothes is the norm for most families with disabled childrenaccording to a Contact A Family survey (2012). 17% of families surveyedreported going without food, 21% go without heating, while 29% have takenout a loan to help pay for food and heating. Many parent carersconsequently suffer from stress, from depression, anxiety, and guilt for notbeing able to provide enough and having nowhere to turn to.2.2 Fuel povertyThroughout the period 2003 to 2010, households containing someone with adisability or a long-term illness had a higher rate of fuel poverty than otherhouseholds (20% compared with 15%) according to the latest fuel povertystatistics (Department of Energy and Climate Change, 2012a). Other officialsurvey findings show that households in Britain with at least one person withan impairment were less able to keep their home warm, compared with14