The charity Scope comments on the impact of benefits not rising in line with inflation, and the government not ruling out real-terms cuts to benefits.

James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said:

“The catastrophic cost of living crisis is hitting disabled people up and down the county.

“Not uprating benefits in line with inflation will have severe consequences. Cutting them in the current circumstances would be indefensible.

“Energy costs have doubled in a year. We’ve been inundated with calls from disabled people who have cut back everything they can. They’re taking drastic actions like skipping meals, cutting back on washing and turning off fridges, and it’s still not enough.

“The price cap doesn’t cap how much people have to pay on their bills. The £150 disability payment won’t touch the sides.

“We need targeted support for disabled people to get through this crisis. The government should also double the disability payment and provide another cost of living payment to those on the lowest incomes.”