We call on Chancellor for more support on energy bills

We set out that people with Parkinson's spend more on household energy to stay well and manage their symptoms.

We have calculated that, last year, the additional annual energy cost of a household with someone with Parkinson’s was £632 and in 2022, that figure rose to £1,196. Come April next year household fuel bills are expected to rise further still.

Our community’s concerns

Over three-quarters (77%) of respondents to our survey (which ran during September and October) said they will turn on their heating less frequently this winter, in order to save on fuel costs. And, two in five (40%) people with Parkinson’s who responded to our survey, say their symptoms are being made worse by their financial situation.

A person with Parkinson’s who completed our survey said:

"I get cold very quickly. Where I would put the heating on, I’m now holding back, trying to cope for as long as I can."

Well over two-thirds (70%) of people with Parkinson’s who responded to our survey said they are feeling more socially isolated, since the beginning of the rising cost of living. 

A person with Parkinson’s who completed our survey said:

"I feel more unsteady at times and my walking has definitely got worse because we don't go out as much any more."

Equally worrying, a quarter (25%) of our respondents told us that they are having fewer meals and are also eating less healthy food in order to save money.

A person with Parkinson’s who completed our survey said:

"I worry that I won't be able to afford heating and food. I’m worrying that I can't afford heating, so I'm not moving around. My movements are getting slower - this is not good for me."

Sue Christoforou, Senior Policy and Campaigns Adviser at Parkinson’s UK said: 

"It’s a simple fact that people living with Parkinson’s have higher household energy costs than the average household. Last year, those extra costs amounted to £632. With the spiralling cost of energy, this has now almost doubled to just under £1,200.

"We recognise the government doesn't have a limitless pot of money and we welcome the support they’ve given so far, but it’s nowhere near enough to meet the needs of people with Parkinson’s.

"We believe that additional support is urgently needed and could save Government money in the long run, as more people living well with Parkinson’s means fewer emergency admissions to hospitals."

How you can help 

Ask your MP to write to the Chancellor, urging him to boost the Energy Bills Support Scheme for people with Parkinson’s, by filling out our online form.

If you have had difficulty paying for your household bills, you can share your story anonymously with us, to support the campaign.