A Redditch man has opened up about the spiralling costs of living this Christmas as he continues to care for his disabled son.

Keith Butler, aged 72, will be spending the festive period alone with his son this year as his partner Helen, aged 64, will be in hospital.

Although this will sadly be their first Christmas apart, Mr Butler has seen it as an opportunity to help him cut costs as bills mount over the winter.

This is especially important as Mr Butler and his partner are full-time carers for their 22-year-old son Geordie, who has CHARGE syndrome, is deafblind and autistic.

Redditch Advertiser: From left to right: Keith Butler, Geordie Butler and Helen Butler who will be apart for the first time this Christmas From left to right: Keith Butler, Geordie Butler and Helen Butler who will be apart for the first time this Christmas (Image: Sense)

Mr Butler said: “Helen is going into hospital on December 19 for an operation. I don’t want to seem callous, but she will be in for weeks and that will save us money over the most expensive time of the year. Geordie and I will spend the whole period by ourselves for the first time ever.

“We have scaled back everything we can except for Geordie who doesn’t understand Santa has a budget. His three older siblings will only have a token gift and likewise our six grandchildren.”

The couple adopted Geordie after fostering him over the Christmas period when he was just 17 months old.

Mr Butler knew he had ‘found his purpose in life’ when he met his son and knew he wouldn’t be giving him back so took early retirement from his engineering career, aged 51, to care for him.

Redditch Advertiser: Keith Butler took early retirement to care for his son Keith Butler took early retirement to care for his son (Image: Sense)

But this year, the family are really struggling on their limited income which is made up of Mr Butler’s pension and Geordie’s Universal Credit.

The biggest cost is energy with additional use related to Geordie’s needs including a feeding pump and electric bed to help him lie down.

This is on top of transport costs which are no longer subsidised after he completed his education meaning the family have to pay £2,250 a year to get him to day services at Sense Touchbase Pears in Birmingham.

Mr Butler added: “What we really need is a social tariff and a lot of people like Martin Lewis have been campaigning for this for years, but absolutely no progress has been made.

“I understand it might be complex to resolve, but it can’t be kicked into the long grass anymore. My family and others need it right now. We can’t wait another winter.”