RNIB NI Concerned At Cost Of Living Impacts

Visually Impaired Facing Increased Cost Of Living Difficulties

Dear Editor,xa0

Re: Rise in Cost of Living For Sight Loss Community

“Even before prices began toxa0rise in Northern Ireland, one in five blind and partially sighted people said they had some or great difficulty in making ends meet.

“It is deeply concerning that many are now having to use less energy just to save money and to afford the rising cost of living.    

“Life costs more if you’re disabled.

“We’re hearing worrying reports from our contacts in the sight loss community, that some people are finding it more and more difficult to meet the costs associated with travelling to essential eye health appointments.

“People with sight loss rely on additional lighting to get around safely, use taxis for essential independent travel and there’s the assistive technologies that help with day-to-day living also adding to energy costs.

“Blind and partially sighted people also tend to rely heavily on various electrical domestic appliances, like talking microwaves, or vital broadband internet connection to maximise their basic independence.xa0xa0

“If you can’t see fully, you’re less able to make use of discounts online due to inaccessible websites and are often unable to see discounted items or special offers available in retail outlets.xa0

RNIB in Northern Ireland intend to speak-up ever more loudly on this issue, because it’s clear that people’s budgets are going to be under pressure for many months to come.

“We fear that increased numbers of blind and partially sighted people throughout Northern Ireland will be feeling financial pressures this winter.

“We are calling for benefits to be raised in line with inflation, raising the Blind Persons Tax Allowance for tax year 22/23, and for no VAT on essential technology for people living with sight loss.

“We will be increasing the practical assistance we offer to help deal with these economic pressures. Our Helpline advisors can talk through and identify the financial support available in specific areas such as fuel poverty. They can also provide advice on benefits, tax allowances and concessions that people with sight loss are entitled to and how to apply.

“People with sight loss or their family or friends can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999, or if you have an Alexa device just say ‘Alexa, call RNIB Helpline

“Alternatively, visit:

rnib.org.uk/advice 

or email [email protected]

Kind regards,

Paula Beattie,

(Policy and Campaigns Manager.)