THE new 5 per cent higher price cap on energy announced on November 23 means people will pay more to keep warm this January than any winter before — and this is set to hit those with disabilities, such as those spinal cord injuries (SCI) the hardest.
 
The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), which represents those with such injuries, is calling on the government to offer more help with paying these bills. That’s because those with injuries such as serious spinal injuries are often stuck at home. As calls to the helpline indicate, a considerable number are in unsuitable homes, not just with access problems, but also unsafe and hard to keep warm.

Those with SCI who are renting have been exposed to the turbulence in the private rental sector, with the result that some are having to move to properties unsuitable for their needs as they don’t want to end up in temporary accommodation if an accessible, affordable property can’t be found.

One woman who contacted the charity ended up in a refuge, due to not finding anywhere suitable she could live. The SIA said: “A home adapted to meet the needs of someone with SCI is a fundamental right for everyone living in Britain.” But that “right” is far from being met.