Devastating effect of cost-of-living crisis on disabled people revealed
Published: 20 September 2023
Research insight
A new report by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health and Glasgow Disability Alliance reveals the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people.
A new report by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) and Glasgow Disability Alliance paints a stark picture of the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people in the UK.
The report, which includes the voices of disabled people living in Glasgow and a review of emerging evidence, finds that the crisis has exacerbated poverty and financial insecurity, making it increasingly difficult, and for some impossible, to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
Disabled people are struggling to meet basic costs, such as heating their homes and eating a nutritious diet. This is having a direct impact on their health and well-being, with many reporting that they are unable to manage their health conditions properly or take their medications as prescribed. Some people are even unable to charge essential assistive equipment, such as powered wheelchairs, hoists, and nebulisers.
In addition to these health impacts, the report also finds that the cost-of-living crisis is having a significant impact on disabled people's social and emotional well-being. Many people are feeling isolated and forgotten, as they are unable to participate in activities that they enjoy or to socialize with friends and family.
The report highlights the fact that disabled people already face significant additional costs associated with their disability, which are not well understood by wider society. Disability charity Scope estimates that, on average, disabled households need an additional £975 per month to have the same standard of living as non-disabled households.
The report concludes by calling for urgent action to address the disproportionate impact of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people. The authors recommend a number of measures, including: increasing financial support for disabled people, reducing the cost of energy and accessible transport, and raising awareness of the additional costs faced by disabled people.
Read the full report on the University of Glasgow news webpage.
Related links
- The impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on disabled people
- Glasgow Centre for Population Health
- Glasgow Disability Alliance
First published: 20 September 2023