Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what additional steps he is taking to ensure disabled people are financially supported as energy prices and other costs of living rise.

The government is forecast to spend over £58 billion in 21/22 on benefits to support disabled people in Great Britain. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is the government’s primary means of supporting working age adults with the extra costs arising from having a disability and is paid regardless of income and irrespective of whether someone is in work. The government will spend over £12.2 billion to support 2.1 million people on PIP in 21/22. Those who have a disability or health condition which limits their ability to work can get additional support through Universal Credit (UC) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). For those with limited capability for work or work-related activity, this includes an additional component in UC, worth £79.30 per week.

We recognise the recent increase in wholesale global gas prices will be a cause of concern, particularly for those who are vulnerable or have a disability. That is why we continue to protect households through the energy price cap, which has saved the 15 million customers on default tariffs up to £100 a year on their bills since it was introduced in 2019. This is on top of wider support that the government is providing this winter through the £140 Warm Home Discount, up to £300 Winter Fuel Payment and £25 per week Cold Weather Payment, all of which help to ensure those most vulnerable are better able to heat their homes over the winter.

The government is providing support worth around £12 billion this financial year and next to help with the cost of living. This includes the £500 million Household Support Fund to help vulnerable households with costs for essentials such as energy bills, food, clothing, and utilities over the winter. The Household Support Fund adds to the support already in place to help those on low incomes with the cost of living, including:

• £140 million in 2021-22 for Discretionary Housing Payments;
• £670 million in 2021-22 for local authorities to support households struggling with their council tax bills;
• £200m each year of the Spending Review to continue the Holiday Activities and Food programme; and
• increasing the value of Healthy Start vouchers.