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Jo SwinsonLib Dem MP for East Dunbartonshire |
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Jo backs charity campaign on disability and debt
December 21, 2005 4:07 PM
Jo wants more protection for disabled people affected by debt
Jo Swinson MP is backing a campaign by disability charity Leonard Cheshire to tackle the levels of debt faced by disabled people.
The charity has produced a report, 'In The Balance', which highlights the many factors that can contribute to disabled people's experiences of debt, including lower than average incomes (53% of those surveyed had incomes of less than £10,000 a year) combined with higher than average costs (expensive equipment and adaptations).
Jo commented:
"For disabled people, a significant amount of debt can come not from buying luxury items, but from essential purchases such as mobility aids or physiotherapy costs. Given that the onset of a disability often also forces people to leave work, this can leave disabled people particularly vulnerable to spiralling debt which they have little prospect of clearing.
"I was happy to give my backing to Leonard Cheshire's campaign, and call on the Government and financial services industry to take action to address the needs of disabled people facing debt problems."
Jo has signed a parliamentary motion, which has received cross-party support from MPs, highlighting the report and calling for action to address the issue.
Leonard Cheshire's Head of Policy, John Knight, said:
"We're delighted that Jo Swinson has supported this motion. This is a major issue in East Dunbartonshire and across the whole country. We hope that the support of MPs will persuade both the Government and the financial services industry of the need to work to improve the current situation."
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