27-2-02

BARRETT PILES ON PRE-BUDGET PRESSURE OVER FUEL NEEDS OF THE DISABLED

John Barrett MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, has joined the Liberal Democrat campaign to put pressure on the Government to extend winter fuel payments to disabled people.

Those over the age of sixty can claim a winter fuel allowance of £200 a year (per household if one member is over 60). However, there are one million people with disabilities, under the age of sixty, who are not eligible for this payment. The Liberal Democrats are committed to extending winter fuel payments to people with disabilities.

The reiteration of Liberal Democrat policy is already supported by many disabilities charities, and coincides with the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Eagle's refusal to change government policy. Maria Eagle believes that disabled people should use the Care or Mobility component of their Disability Living Allowance to pay for additional fuel.

John Barrett said:

"This solution is completely unacceptable, Care and Mobility benefits are given to target specific financial needs.

"This is a question of dignity, and essential to the basic comfort of the one million potential beneficiaries. Those who are immobilised, due to disability, usually feel the cold more than others, especially as the vast majority are not in work, where their heating would be provided. Heating is essential for the therapy required by a number of disabling ailments, just as many (such as incontinence, night sweats and dermatological conditions) produce an added need for hot water."

ENDS