MOST disabled people will enter winter in debt with one in five saving money by reducing use their use of specialist equipment, research has found.

Nearly three in four are worrying how to heat their homes this winter with half set to seek out warm spaces in the community such as libraries and churches because they can’t afford the bills at home, the survey for disability charity Sense said.

Sense raised concerns over disabled people being forced to put their health at risk by reducing their use of essential equipment such electric wheelchairs, ventilators and feeding pumps.

It is urgently calling for the government to look again at the social energy tariff ahead of the autumn Budget.    

Chief executive Richard Kramer said: “We are in the middle of the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades and disabled people are being hit the hardest.

“Energy bills are so high that people are being forced to switch off their heating to save money or even leave their homes to find a warm space in the community — it’s a desperate situation. 

“The government cannot sit back and watch for a second winter, as more disabled people are forced into debt and ill-health.

“We are urging the government to recognise the full impact of rising costs on disabled people and bring in a social energy tariff which would help millions struggling across the country.”  

Linda Burnip, founder of Disabled People Against Cuts, told the Morning Star: “The war against disabled people continues leaving some unable to even afford to use essential and potentially life saving equipment.

“At a time when the government seems to be planning an end to the cap on bankers’ obscene bonuses and tax cuts for their wealthy friends, this is totally unacceptable.”