News
SIA statement on the Autumn Budget 2026
Disabled people must not be left behind in efforts to ease the cost of living
28 October 2026
Responding to today’s Autumn Budget, the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) has welcomed measures to ease the cost of living while calling on the Government to recognise the disproportionate financial pressures faced by disabled people, particularly those living with spinal cord injuries.
The Budget includes measures to reduce household energy costs, including a £100 Household Energy Payment for eligible households, an extension of the VAT reduction on electricity and the continuation of the fuel duty cut. These are welcome steps towards easing financial pressures on households already struggling with rising living costs.
However, for many people with spinal cord injuries, the cost of living is significantly higher because of their disability. Some people with SCI cannot regulate their body temperature effectively and must maintain appropriate temperatures in their homes to protect their health. Others face additional costs associated with essential equipment, personal care, transport and everyday living.
These are not discretionary expenses. They are unavoidable costs associated with living with a spinal cord injury, and general household support measures may not adequately reflect them.
The Budget also reaffirms the Government’s existing changes to Motability tax arrangements. While no further Motability-specific tax changes have been announced today, SIA remains concerned about the potential impact of existing reforms on affordability and access to suitable vehicles.
For people with spinal cord injuries, access to appropriate transport is essential for employment, healthcare, family life and participation in society. While protections for wheelchair-accessible vehicles are welcome, these must not overlook people whose individual needs require larger vehicles, adaptations or additional space for mobility equipment.
SIA also recognises the opportunity presented by the forthcoming reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to develop a system that better reflects the realities of disabled people’s lives, including the additional costs of disability. Any changes must be grounded in dignity, fairness, autonomy, choice and independent living.
Nik Hartley OBE, Chief Executive of the Spinal Injuries Association, said:
“We welcome measures that will help ease the financial pressures facing households. But for people with spinal cord injuries, poverty and the cost of living cannot be separated from the additional costs of disability. Keeping a home warm enough to remain healthy, running essential equipment, or accessing suitable transport are not choices or luxuries. They are necessities.
“No disabled person should have to choose between protecting their health and paying their bills. The Government must recognise that equal financial support does not always mean equitable support. If we are serious about tackling poverty, we must address the additional and unavoidable costs that disabled people face.
“With further PIP reform now on the horizon, the Government has an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure that the system properly recognises the additional costs of disability and supports people’s dignity, independence, choice, and participation in society. Reform must be driven by the realities of disabled people’s lives, not simply by the pursuit of financial savings.”
SIA will continue to work constructively with Government, parliamentarians, and sector partners to ensure that the needs and experiences of people with spinal cord injuries are reflected in decisions affecting their financial security, independence and quality of life.
Here at Spinal Injuries Association we continue to work on your behalf throughout the year on the issues that you tell us matter to you.
For more information on our work, please see our Public Affairs and Campaigns News or additional information under each of our campaign pages. To contact our Public Affairs Team, please email [email protected]