6-12-02

Barrett calls for Fuel Allowance for disabled people

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called for the Winter Fuel Allowance to be extended to cover disabled people in most need.

Under current rules, people over 60 years old can claim a winter fuel payment of £200 a year to help pay their fuel bills. Mr Barrett has signed a House of Commons motion calling on the Government to extend this benefit to disabled people who receive the middle or higher rate of disability living allowance care component or the higher rate of the mobility component.

In a statement, John Barrett said:

"There are almost 1 million severely disabled people in the UK who despite feeling the cold, still cannot keep their homes warm enough for fear of high fuel bills. For many people, keeping warm is critical to help with the therapy of their disability, including the need for hot water.

"Extending the eligibility of the winter fuel allowance to those disabled people who need the help most would ensure they can properly afford decent heating during the winter months.

"I believe the measure of a decent society is how the most vulnerable in that society are treated. The winter fuel allowance for elderly people has helped but extending it to the most needy of disabled people should now be high on the Government's agenda."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• John Barrett has signed EDM 209 - Winter Fuel Allowance

That this House notes with concern that, although pensioners over the age of 60 years can claim a winter fuel payment of £200 a year, there are one million severely disabled people of working age who are not eligible for the payment, many of whom feel the cold intensely and cannot afford to heat their homes adequately; notes also that the vast majority of those who would benefit are not in work, where their heating would be provided during working hours, and that heating is essential for the therapy required by any disabling ailments, just as many produce an added need for hot water; and calls on the Government to extend the winter fuel payment to disabled people who receive the middle or the higher rate of the disability living allowance care component or the higher rate of the mobility component.