A REDDITCH couple who care for their disabled son full-time has warned that more support is needed ahead of rising living costs.

More than 70 per cent of disabled households have been plunged into debt this year by the cost-of-living crisis, with four out of five saying the Government has not done enough to help, new research suggests.

Families caring for a child or adult with disabilities are “frustrated” at the lack of urgency from ministers over their increasing financial pressures, according to national disability charity Sense.

Some 83 per cent believe the Government is not doing enough to support them, while almost three quarters – 72 per cent – say the crisis has left them owing money, a poll carried out by Censuswide on behalf of the charity shows.

Some 1,008 parents or family members caring for a disabled person across the UK were surveyed between 17 and 22 August this year.

Among them, 55 per cent admitted to borrowing money from friends or relatives to pay bills, while 77% said the crisis was affecting their mental health.

Two in five – 40 per cent – also say they will go without food to save money, according to the research.

Sense has announced it will give 1,000 households, including someone with complex disabilities, a £500 grant to help them deal with rising costs.

Keith Butler, whose 21-year-old son Geordie is deafblind, autistic and has CHARGE syndrome, said the grant would help but warned “long-term” support was needed ahead of higher energy prices expected in autumn.

Mr Butler and his partner Helen, from Redditch, are full-time carers for their son and live on a fixed income made up of Mr Butler’s pension and his son’s Universal Credit.

He said: “One of our biggest expenses is electricity. Geordie is fed through an electric pump, which has to be on charge from lunch through to the evening, every single day. You can’t miss a day, otherwise he can’t eat.

“Also because of Geordie’s sight, we need to have lights on throughout the day.

“We put the same amount into an account each month for utility bills, but in September when the energy price cap rises, this will drain away.”

Redditch Advertiser: Keith Butler and his partner Helen from Redditch are full-time carers for their 21-year-old son Geordie. Keith Butler and his partner Helen from Redditch are full-time carers for their 21-year-old son Geordie.

Chief executive of Sense Richard Kramer warned of the “desperate everyday reality” disabled households forced to choose between eating and heating their homes.

Mr Kramer said: “Everyone is affected by rising prices, but disabled households are one of the hardest hit because of their circumstances.

“Many are in poverty, less likely to be in full-time work and face higher costs for energy for essential equipment and the additional costs of disability.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We recognise living with a long-term illness or disability can impact on living costs, and therefore, as part of our £37 billion package of support, we are supporting six million disabled people with an extra £150 payment, landing in bank accounts from September 20.

“Eight million low-income households will also be receiving at least £1,200 of direct payments this year. We urge people to check they are getting all the help to which they are entitled.”