Bury St Edmunds resident launches petition calling on the Government to continue supporting disabled people with cost-of-living

A Bury St Edmunds resident has launched a petition calling on the Government to continue the cost-of-living payments for disabled people who are disproportionately affected by rising energy bills.

Thomas Howard, 27, launched the petition on change.org on December 15 and it has already received over 1,000 signatures.

Tom, who has autism, is advocating for disabled people who may have higher energy bills due to medical equipment being on throughout the day and night and said although the payments did not go far enough they went some way in helping those with disabilities.

He said: “I noticed there's a lot of financial support at the moment for people who have struggled with the cost of living, but individual accounts online suggest the government has halted financial support for disabled people – and there are no current plans for future Disability Cost of Living Payments.

“I came across MPs and groups who have been lobbying saying that this financial support is needed because the cost of living disproportionately affects those with disabilities.

“There is a need for inclusion and equity and realising this isn't happening at the moment seems a bit unfair really.”

It is hoped the petition will get to 5,000 signatures and then MP Jeremy Hunt, or his department, will make a response about the issue.

On reaching over 1,000 signatures in a short amount of time, Tom added: “It’s been growing quite quickly, but it does show there is an issue here that needs to be addressed.”

To sign the petition see here.