In response to the UK Government’s mini-budget

In response to the UK Government's mini-budget today, Dr Sam Royston, Director of Policy and Research from the end of life charity, Marie Curie, says:

"90,000 people die in poverty every year in the UK. Today's statement will leave them still waiting for the support they desperately need and fearful that a cold home this winter could rob them of one final Christmas with the people they love.

"The energy price freeze simply does not go far enough for people with terminal illness, who frequently face bills which are drastically higher than average as a result of higher heating needs and powering medical equipment. Without additional targeted support many people could die earlier than expected this winter. As a starting point, we need to see an extension to the Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount scheme to ensure they reach the many people with terminal illness who currently miss out.

"An income tax cut for high earners won't benefit those who can't work because of their condition and are struggling to make ends meet. The Government need to end the injustice that sees working age people with a terminal illness lose out on their State Pension simply because their lives are cut short before they are entitled to claim."