The DWP has just announced that they will be reviewing cost of living support (in general) and any preliminary findings could feed into policy decisions. This is certainly a step in the right direction, but not enough and the undersigned are still calling for the immediate reinstatement of the Disability Cost of Living Payment. 

Here is a link to the relevant article: https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/dwp-review-900-cost-living-32213293?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target

For now, please do continue to lobby your local MP ahead of the Spring Budget in early March 2024. 

For those that may have missed one of my earlier petition updates, here is a template letter that you can send to your MP:

Dear [MP's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you as a concerned constituent to draw your attention to an urgent matter that requires immediate action ahead of the upcoming Spring Budget. A petition, which has now been signed by over 60,000 people and delivered to Downing Street, calls for the government to reconsider its decision to discontinue the Disability Cost of Living Payment.

As outlined in the petition, the discontinuation of this payment has profound implications for disabled people across the UK, who are disproportionately affected by the rising cost of living. The escalating energy bills pose a significant challenge, especially for those who require a maintained set temperature at home due to medical conditions, or who need to operate specialist and medical equipment continuously. For many, especially following the recent increase in energy bills, the situation is dire.

The reinstatement of the Disability Cost of Living Payment is not merely a financial issue; it is a question of dignity, independence, and survival. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has highlighted that disabled people in the UK are twice as likely to live in poverty compared to non-disabled people. This payment acts as a critical lifeline for thousands, helping to cover essential needs such as food, heating, and transportation.

I urge you to consider the gravity of this issue and to advocate for the reinstatement and review of the Disability Cost of Living Payment. It is a matter of basic human rights and social justice. Supporting this cause will not only alleviate the immediate financial pressures faced by disabled individuals but also demonstrate a commitment to fairness and equality in our society.

As your constituent, I implore you to raise this matter with your colleagues and within Parliament to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to support our most vulnerable citizens. Your action on this issue is crucial and would be greatly appreciated by thousands of families across the country.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this important matter. I look forward to your support and to seeing positive changes in the upcoming Spring Budget.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Contact Information]