Oldham MP backs calls for Government support for people with arthritis
Date published: 19 February 2023
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams has thrown her support behind calls by the charity Versus Arthritis for the Government to do more to help people with the condition during the cost-of-living crisis.
Ms Abrahams said: “Campaigners from Versus Arthritis have handed in a open letter to the Prime Minister, at 10 Downing Street, well ahead of the Spring Budget in March, so the Government will have time to consider how it is going to support people with the condition.
“The letter, which was signed by over 28,000 people, calls on the Mr Sunak not to abandon people with arthritis and provide better support during the cost-of-living crisis, something which we know is a real concern for many at this time.
“It sets out for the Prime Minister details of a survey Versus Arthritis ran last year, in which 94% of respondents said they are really worried about heating their homes this winter.
“This is particularly critical given that, for many, the cold weather affects their condition.
"So, switching off their heating to try and keep bills down simply isn’t an option.
“As someone who’s had two hip replacements, as a result of osteoarthritis, I know just how debilitating arthritis can be, and how it can affect your quality of life.”
The charity has also highlighted concerns about the impact of long waits for joint replacement surgery, which can lead to too much time spent living in pain.
For some it also means reducing their working hours or stopping work completely.
Ms Abrahams added: "The letter also spells out the worries of the arthritis research community who have said that soaring costs are negatively impacting their ability to conduct their much needed ground-breaking research.
“We need to stop arthritis robbing so many people of the lives they deserve.”
The letter urges the Prime Minister to take urgent action by:
Ensuring more people with arthritis can access the Warm Homes Discount scheme by reversing changes to eligibility criteria which are making this harder.
Making sure national plans to bring down waiting times for joint replacement surgery continue to be prioritised throughout the winter.
Protecting vital research into arthritis from the impact of rising inflation.
If you are struggling to cope with arthritis and the cost-of-living crisis, you don’t have to face these problems alone - call the helpline on 0800 5200 520 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm).
Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.
