LOCAL MP CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO END DISABILITY POVERTY

3.23.00pm GMT Tue 29th Jan 2008

Paul Keetch MP is backing a new campaign to make tackling disability poverty a top government priority.

The MP for Hereford has backed a Parliamentary motion supporting a new report from Leonard Cheshire Disability which found that disabled people are twice as likely to live in poverty as non-disabled people.

The report, 'Disability poverty in the UK', also found that on average disabled people's basic day-to-day living costs are a quarter (25%) higher than those of non-disabled people, because of extra expense on essentials such as mobility aids, care and transport.

Paul Keetch MP said:

"Leonard Cheshire Disability's report highlights the extent of the links between disability and poverty - I believe that more must be done to break those links.

"Many disabled people can face additional costs, which can leave those on low incomes having to take impossible decisions about whether they pay utility bills or pay for their care, or pay for food or essential mobility equipment.

"I know from speaking to disabled people and their families in Hereford that this is an important issue. It simply can't be right that disabled people are twice as likely to live in poverty as non-disabled people, which is why I'm backing this campaign."