Provide an energy grant to people with a disability or serious medical condition

Millions of UK citizens have a disability or serious medical condition that means they use more energy. Many people need to use a ventilator 24/7. People use electric pumps to feed through a tubes. People need to charge their mobility equipment, such as electric wheelchairs, stair lifts, bath seats.

The Government needs to provide a grant, so that people with a disability or serious medical condition can afford to run the equipment, or heating, they need to stay alive. It is not right that people living with conditions that require energy, should be punished for it, and sometimes face unmanageable debts with energy companies. What a horrendous situation to face. If some people don't run their ventilator, CPAP machine or feeding pump they will die. Our Government must help people afford to stay alive.

The Government is aware of the impact that high global wholesale energy prices are having on all consumers. Although Government does not determine the price of gas or electricity, these are set by global market conditions, the price cap ensures that the price of tariffs is fair and that customers do not experience a loyalty penalty.

The Government understands, however, that some households with a disability or medical condition have higher than average energy costs. NHS England provides electricity refunds for users of certain medical equipment in the home, such as oxygen concentrators. If a patient is prescribed an oxygen concentrator as part of their home oxygen therapy, the provider will reimburse the patient for any electricity the machine uses at the standard rate for the electricity provider in that region.

While Clinical Commissioning Groups are best placed to support their local populace, the Government has put in place additional support for those on certain disability benefits. As a result, around six million people across the UK who receive the following disability benefits will receive a one-off payment of £150 in September:

• Disability Living Allowance • Personal Independence Payment • Attendance Allowance • Scottish Disability Benefits • Armed Forces Independence Payment • Constant Attendance Allowance • War Pension Mobility Supplement

This forms part of the £15 billion package of targeted government support, announced on 26 May 2022, to help with the rising cost of living. This brings the total cost of living support measures announced to £37 billion this year.