To read the depressing news of yet another energy price cap rise in the run-up to winter (“Ofgem to increase energy price cap by 10% from October”, Report, August 24) will be a devastating blow for dying people and their families up and down the country.
They already face an increased cost of living as a result of terminal illness. The need to power specialist medical equipment in the home and additional heating required to manage their condition can see them paying annual bills thousands of pounds above an average household.
For terminally ill people, living in a cold home may lead to new infections, make existing symptoms worse, and in the worst cases, even hasten death.
In the final months, weeks and days of life people want to make lasting memories, be comfortable and feel safe — not to have to worry about whether they can afford to keep their home warm.
The government urgently needs to offer targeted support to people at the end of life, introduce a social tariff to ensure energy bills are affordable, ensure terminally ill pensioners continue to receive their winter fuel payment and cover the running costs of essential medical devices for people who are dying at home.
Ruth Driscoll
Associate Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Marie Curie
London SW11, UK
