Disabled people facing 'cost of independence crisis' - research
/This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 11th June 2025
A report from Disability Equality Scotland (DES) examines the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis on disabled people and their personal independence.
The report highlights deeply disturbing trends, with 27% of disabled people having had to choose between paying their energy bill or using the independent living equipment they need to survive.
More than half of disabled people surveyed spend more than 20% of their net income on their energy bill. This means that as a measure of fuel poverty these people would be defined as experiencing extreme fuel poverty.
These impacts have led to a 'cost of independence crisis', where disabled people need to choose between living their lives, or paying their bills.
One person told DES: “I’ve not had my equipment serviced to save costs and I have stopped going out as much, so I don’t need to recharge my power wheelchair as often."
Disability Equality Scotland have urged the Scottish and UK governments to develop measures such as an 'essentials guarantee' for disabled people, as well as the creation of a top-up heating payment for disabled people.
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