Last Updated on February 4, 2022
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the Care & Support Alliance (CSA) have responded to the anticipated impact of rising fuel costs on older people. This week, Ofgem has confirmed that the fuel price cap will rise by 54% from April 1st, which in turn will see household bills increase by at least £693 annually. Rising fuel costs have come as a result of a record rise in global gas prices over the last six months, with wholesale prices quadrupling in the last year, reports Ofgem.
Responding to growing concerns about the impact of rising fuel costs for older people, disabled people and carers, Cathie Williams, ADASS chief executive, and the co-chairs of the CSA, said, 'Despite recent announcements about the ending of most COVID-19 restrictions, for many older people, disabled people and their family carers the fear of COVID-19 remains and people will continue to isolate at home, especially amongst those who are clinically vulnerable. The impact upon people's physical and mental health and wellbeing of spending excessively long periods in isolation has been well documented, but the financial impact has been less well understood.
'Many people with care and support needs have already experienced an increase in household energy costs as a result of extended periods of time spent at home. For some, price increases will have been significantly higher as a result of their energy supplier going bust and being moved to a provider of last resort on higher tariffs. We also know that it is harder for some people to navigate the complicated energy market and to shop around for cheaper deals. Yet the price increases experienced so far are relatively low compared to the price hikes everyone will face from April 1st.
'We know that a lot of older and disabled people and their family carers are amongst those in society with the lowest household income and as a result, their energy costs are a significantly higher proportion of the income. These huge prices rises will leave many people, potentially already in poorer health, with the terrible decision of choosing between heating and eating. We are therefore calling for the Government to provide additional financial support to people who need care and support, and their family carers to enable them to heat their homes without having to worry about further reductions to their quality of life.'
In other news, Government has announced a cross-department taskforce on housing for older people, including a strong focus on housing-with-care.