THE number of disabled people living in poverty has risen by over a million since the Conservatives took power in 2010, new analysis by Labour has revealed.

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show that since the Conservatives entered government, the number of disabled people living in poverty has rocketed to 3.8 million, a 44 per cent increase since 2010.

The overall rate of disability poverty now stands at 27 per cent, having grown by nearly a fifth since the Tories took office, according to Labour.

It means millions of disabled people are now being disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

The Conservatives voted against Labour’s binding vote to cut VAT on home energy bills to reduce expected price rises in April this month.

At the time, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the plans would “save households £200 off their bills, with up to £600 in total for those who need it most.”

The motion was defeated by 319 votes to 229, with MP Anne Marie Morris the only Tory to rebel and support it.

Treasury minister Simon Clarke claimed that the government had taken steps to ease energy bill pressures.

Disabled people have already been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with 82 per cent of those on universal credit and legacy benefits reporting having to spend more money than usual on greater food shopping and utility bills.

The government also buried a £70 million stealth cut to disability benefits in the autumn Budget, just two weeks after a consultation on reform proposals closed.

Shadow women and equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds said: “Labour’s contract with the British people will ensure disabled people are treated with respect, and our fully costed energy plan would see those most in need getting up to £600 off their energy bills.”

Linda Burnip of Disabled People Against Cuts told the Star: “This is an absolutely shocking increase in poverty levels affecting disabled people which the Tories should be utterly ashamed of.

“It shows how important an urgent increase of at least £20 a week in all social security payments, including state pensions, is so badly needed.

“Unfortunately to date, Labour also are failing to put in place any policies that would alleviate these dire levels of inequality and deprivation.”