Demand action from Chancellor ahead of the Spring Budget

2 mins read

Wednesday 14 February 2024

Ahead of the Spring Budget on 6th March, parent carer Samantha has written to the Chancellor demanding action on sky-high energy and living costs that continue to hit families with disabled children hardest.  

Support Samantha’s call for action

Samantha lives in Doncaster with her son Lewis. Lewis has a terminal condition called Batten Disease. She was told he might reach his 10th birthday. This month he turns 20 – he is a miracle every day. 

Samantha tries to make everyday count with Lewis. But like many families caring for critically ill children, she spends a lot of her time worrying about household bills. Her energy bills are a staggering £500 per month (three times the UK average). This is because Lewis needs electrical equipment, including ventilators, feeding pumps, suction machines, to keep him alive.

On top of this Samantha, is scared about claiming Universal Credit for Lewis and how they will survive on considerably less than they get under Child Tax Credit. 

Samantha knows she isn’t alone with her money worries. That’s why she has written to the Chancellor with three simple asks:

  • An energy social tariff for families like hers reliant on life-saving electrical equipment.
  • Better support under Universal Credit for disabled young person like Lewis.
  • Cost of living payments for disabled households to help cover their extra costs.

Samantha is calling on families and supporters up and down the country to support her three asks. She says, “together we can make the Chancellor listen”.

Support Samantha today by adding your name.

Need advice?

It was only through information from Contact that Samantha found out what financial support was available.

If you need advice about your energy bills or other financial help available, please visit our cost of living webpages. 

Our website also has information on claiming Universal Credit and other benefits such as carers’ allowance and Disability Living Allowance.