A single mother of two disabled daughters fears she could pay more on her gas bill after the government scrapped standing charges. Raegan Furness, 38, a full-time carer to Amelia-Star, 14, who has ADHD, and Kacie-Rae, 10, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, says her family is likely to be among the 40% who use more gas than average.
Government plan to scrap standing charges
Chancellor John Healey announced on Wednesday ahead of his first Budget speech that standing charges on gas bills will be scrapped, meaning users will no longer pay a daily fee for gas even if they have not used any that day. According to the Treasury, this will save the average household £45 a year, but those who use more gas than average could face higher fees, as charges will instead be based on usage. The Treasury says Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, will aim to deliver the removal of these charges "in 2027 or as soon as possible after".
Raegan, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, claims Universal Credit as well as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for both children.
Concerns for vulnerable families
Raegan 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."
Raegan is hoping the government increases the Warm Home Discount to £250 to help combat these potential extra costs. "I got a letter the other day to say we're eligible, so fingers crossed it goes up," she said. "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."
Impact of possible electricity changes
Raegan added that if the government were to scrap standing charges on electricity as well, this would further increase her bills. "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."
Raegan wants the government to provide more support for vulnerable families. "It's not like we're using extra energy because we don't want to put a coat on," she said. "It's to help with respiratory problems; we really need to know in depth how disabled families are going to be supported."
