Living costs for disabled report backed by Highland MPs
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Highland MPs have come out in support of a campaign by disability equality charity Scope that shows the cost of living for those who are disabled is often much higher.
Drew Hendry and Jamie Stone both recently attended a drop-in event in the Houses of Parliament to throw their weight behind efforts to highlight the issue of increased living costs for disabled people.
It follows the launch of Scope’s disability price tag report that disabled people have no choice but to spend more on essential goods, services, therapies and equipment.
On average disabled people’s extra costs amount to £583 per month and families with disabled children pay £581 more while a quarter have to pay more than £1000 per month.
Mr Hendry said: “Shamefully, people living with disabilities have been some of the worst hit by the UK government’s welfare cuts and this new report shows the sheer impact the removal of support has on their lives.
“For many reasons, people face added costs associated with their disability and when they are unable to meet these costs, they can often be left feeling increasingly isolated.”
Mr Stone said: “Disability should not mean everyday life costs more. I am therefore very happy to be supporting Scope in their campaign to end the disability price tag.
“We need action from the government to tackle this issue and they must put in place a welfare system that recognises extra costs, and provides disabled people and their families with the financial support they need.”
