Sense, a national charity for disabled people, has called for more targeted financial support following the Autumn Budget, warning that Chancellor John Healey's announcements did not go far enough to help disabled people with complex needs who face unavoidable additional living costs, particularly for heating and essential electrical equipment.
The charity also urged the UK Government to rule out further cuts to disability benefits, warning that the threat of losing vital financial support was creating fear and uncertainty for families already struggling to make ends meet.
Budget measures fall short for disabled households
Several measures in Budget 2026 aimed to ease household finances, including extending the temporary zero per cent VAT rate on domestic electricity bills until June 30, 2027. The UK Government also announced plans to abolish gas standing charges from 2027 or as soon as possible afterwards, with fixed costs recovered through unit rates.
The Treasury estimated the change could save around 60 per cent of households with gas accounts an average of £45 annually, although savings will depend on individual energy usage. A new £100 Household Energy Payment will also be introduced for up to 20 million households in Council Tax bands A to D in England during 2027, with funding provided to devolved governments for similar support elsewhere in the UK.
However, Sense warned that general reductions in energy costs would not necessarily address the additional expenses faced by disabled households, particularly those relying on electricity-powered medical equipment or needing to maintain higher temperatures at home.
Warm Home Discount expansion urged
The charity called for the £150 Warm Home Discount scheme to be expanded to ensure more disabled people with high additional energy needs can receive help with their bills. Eligibility for the Warm Home Discount differs between Scotland and England and Wales, and receiving disability benefits does not automatically guarantee entitlement.
Harriet Edwards, Head of Influencing at Sense, said: “Disabled people with complex needs and their families are under enormous financial pressure, and today's Budget does not offer enough relief. Many are struggling to afford the essentials, with unavoidable extra costs that make rising living costs even harder to bear.
“For some disabled people, keeping their homes warm is vital to their health, particularly if they struggle to regulate their body temperature or have limited mobility. Others rely on electricity to power essential equipment, from feeding machines to wheelchairs and hoists. These aren't luxuries or costs that can simply be cut back.”
Future of disability benefits under review
Sense also called on ministers to provide reassurance about the future of disability benefits amid ongoing government plans to reform the welfare system. The Budget confirmed ministers would consider the recommendations of the Timms Review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), alongside wider welfare reforms intended to control spending and support more people into employment.
The government said its approach would focus on structural reform rather than crude cuts, while also announcing plans to increase face-to-face assessments for health benefits and introduce further measures to tackle fraud and error. The Chancellor said the final reports from the Timms Review of PIP and Alan Milburn's independent review into young people and work will be published in November.
Ms Edwards said: “And at a time when disabled people are already under such immense financial strain, the government must rule out further cuts to disability benefits. The threat of losing vital financial support is hanging over families who are already struggling to make ends meet, creating enormous fear and uncertainty about their futures.”
Support for Scottish households
The Treasury and Scotland Office also outlined several measures intended to ease financial pressures on households across Scotland. These include removing the four per cent tariff on kerosene, which the UK Government said would support around 142,000 Scottish households that rely on heating oil.
The five pence reduction in fuel duty will continue for another six months until June 30, 2027, while tariffs on more than 100 food products, including chocolate and fruit juice, will be removed. The Treasury estimated the food tariff changes, combined with earlier suspensions, could save households up to £21 annually.
The Scottish Government will also receive an additional £600 million for public services, although decisions on how that funding is allocated will be made by Scottish ministers. Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “This is a budget that puts money back in the pockets of Scottish households, backs businesses, and puts Scotland firmly at the heart of the UK government's plan for growth and reindustrialisation.”
While the UK Government maintained its Budget measures would ease pressure on household finances, Sense called for additional targeted support to address the essential costs faced by disabled people and greater protection against future benefit reductions.
