Raegan Furness, a single mum and full-time carer from Macclesfield, fears her gas bill will skyrocket after Chancellor John Healey announced standing charges are set to be scrapped. The move means users will no longer be charged a daily fee for gas, even if they haven't used any that day.
Furness claims universal credit as well as disability living allowance (DLA) for both her children - Amelia-Star, 14, who has ADHD, and Kacie-Rae, 10, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. The 38-year-old says her family could end up paying more on their gas bill, as charges will instead be based on usage.
Impact on Vulnerable Families
The Treasury says the move will save the average household £45 a year. However, those who use more gas than average could face higher fees. Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, will aim to deliver the removal of these charges 'in 2027 or as soon as possible after'.
Furness said: "I understand why the government has done this, and I do think it's going to be great for lots of people, but my family will likely come into the 40% that use more than average. Kacie-Rae can't regulate her temperature, and I've got to have the heating on all the time, especially as we live in a damp and mouldy home. We're going to get really hit by this, as the price of gas is going to go off actual usage instead. We're being penalised for having to cater to Kacie's medical conditions, and making sure she's warm and safe."
Call for Increased Support
Furness hopes the government will increase the Warm Home Discount to £250 to help combat these potential extra costs. She explained: "I got a letter the other day to say we're eligible, so fingers crossed it goes up. I'm frightened that if I don't pay my bills, the providers will cut me off. If they do that, I can't power her hoist or her suction machine to stop her choking. It's very concerning, and I don't feel safe."
If the government were to scrap standing charges on electricity as well, Furness said this would further increase her bills. She said: "We've got a big electric bed frame, we've got a ceiling hoist that needs to be plugged in all the time. So if they're going to scrap standing charges on electricity, this is again going to have a really bad impact on us. They're dangling the carrot and saying they're going to help people, but really when it comes down to it, the most vulnerable people are going to be penalised for something that isn't in our control."
She added: "It's not like we're using extra energy because we don't want to put a coat on. It's to help with respiratory problems; we really need to know in depth how disabled families are going to be supported."
