Disabled people 'could face extra annual costs of £15k'

DISABLED people could face extra costs of almost £15,000 a year by the end of the decade, according to analysis from a charity published on the eve of an expected vote on controversial welfare reforms.

- DAVID JONES

Disability equality charity Scope has warned that government concessions on welfare cuts will simply lead to a “two-tier system” where “huge numbers” of people in need are still out of pocket.

Its analysis has estimated average monthly costs - not taking into account welfare reforms - to cover extras such as higher energy bills or specialist mobility equipment, are likely to rise to £1,244 for disabled people in the UK, totalling almost £15,000 a year, by April 2029.

The annual disability price tag report comes just a day before MPs are expected to debate and vote on the government's welfare reform bill.