Families affected by disability face even bigger challenge as costs rise

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign polled 650 households affected by the muscle disease and found the "disability premium" – the additional cost of living for those with disabilities – is pushing many to "financial breaking point".

In Yorkshire, it found nearly half of disabled households were struggling to pay bills, while the vast majority said the benefits system was failing to cover extra costs. Only those aged over 60 receive a fuel allowance.

Salma Akram, of Sheffield, said the cost of caring for her young daughter, who has muscular dystrophy, was becoming difficult.

"My daughter uses a ventilation machine overnight and her electric wheelchair and other equipment is charged while she sleeps, which has pushed up our electricity bills extremely high," she said.

"It would make a huge difference to us if we received the fuel allowance. Keeping my daughter warm prevents chest infections and keeps her out of hospital."

Robert Meadowcroft, acting chief executive of the charity, said few households were unaffected by public spending cuts.

"However the 'disability premium' has seen families living with muscle disease under extra pressure. The right support can keep young people with disabilities working, carers caring, families in affordable housing and older people independent."