Hampshire MP backs charity campaign on disability and debt

10.36.24am GMT Sat 24th Dec 2005

Sandra Gidley, MP for Romsey, is backing a campaign by disability charity Leonard Cheshire to tackle the levels of debt faced by disabled people.

The charity has produced a report, 'In the Balance', which highlights many factors that can contribute to disabled people's experiences of debt, including: lower than average incomes (53% of those surveyed had incomes of less than £10,000 a year); higher than average costs (expensive equipment and adaptations), and lack of understanding on the part of banks and creditors.

Sandra said:

"Easy access to credit can sometimes be a factor, but for disabled people a significant amount of debt can come not from buying luxury items, but from essential purchases, for example mobility aids, or physiotherapy costs.

"Given that the onset of a disability often also forces people to leave work, this can leave disabled people particularly vulnerable to spiralling debt which they have little prospect of clearing."

Sandra has signed a parliamentary motion, supported by MPs from across the political parties, highlighting the report, and calling for action to address the issue.