Raegan Furness with her daughters Kacie-Rae and Amelia-Star (Image: SWNS)
A single mother of two worries she may face increased gas costs following the Government’s decision to abolish standing charges. Raegan Furness, 38, is a full-time carer to Amelia-Star, 14, who has ADHD, and Kacie-Rae, 10, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.
She receives Universal Credit along with the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for both daughters. Chancellor John Healey revealed on Wednesday before his inaugural Budget address that standing charges on gas bills will be abolished, ensuring that consumers will no longer face a daily charge for gas usage, even when none has been consumed that day.
According to the Treasury, this will deliver savings of £45 annually for the typical household; nevertheless, Britons who consume above-average gas quantities may encounter elevated charges, as costs will instead depend on consumption. The Treasury states Ofgem – the UK energy regulator – will target delivery of this removal “in 2027 or as soon as possible after”.
Raegan, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, said: “I understand why the government has done this, and I do think it’s going to be great for lots of people, but my family will likely come into the 40% that use more than average. Kacie-Rae can’t regulate her temperature, and I’ve got to have the heating on all the time, especially as we live in a damp and mouldy home.
“We’re going to get really hit by this, as the price of gas is going to go off actual usage instead. We’re being penalised for having to cater to Kacie’s medical conditions and making sure she’s warm and safe.”
Raegan Furness with her daughter Kacie-Rae (Image: SWNS)
Raegan hopes the government will raise the Warm Home Discount to £250 to help offset these potential additional expenses.
“I got a letter the other day to say we’re eligible, so fingers crossed it goes up,” she said. “I’m frightened that, if I don’t pay my bills, the providers will cut me off.
“If they do that, I can’t power her hoist or her suction machine to stop her choking. It’s very concerning and I don’t feel safe.”
Raegan Furness is a full-time carer to daughters Amelia-Star, 12, who has ADHD, and Kacie-Rae, eight, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair (Image: SWNS)
Raegan also pointed out that should the government abolish standing charges on electricity, this would drive her bills even higher.
She explained: “We’ve got a big electric bed frame, we’ve got a ceiling hoist that needs to be plugged in all the time, so if they’re going to scrap standing charges on electricity, this is again going to have a really bad impact on us.
“They’re dangling the carrot and saying they’re going to help people, but really when it comes down to it, the most vulnerable people are going to be penalised for something that isn’t in our control.”
Raegan is calling on the government to deliver greater support for vulnerable families. “It’s not like we’re using extra energy because we don’t want to put a coat on”, she said.
“It’s to help with respiratory problems; we really need to know in depth how disabled families are going to be supported.”
