A recent survey by Macmillan Cancer Support concluded that two-thirds of cancer patients struggle to pay their fuel bills and claim that energy costs are their biggest money worry, with nearly 70% of patients using more fuel blaming the increase on feeling colder as a result of their illness.

 

Darren Millar, who is also Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government, said, ‘I am disappointed that the Welsh Assembly Government still appears do be doing nothing to support cancer patients with their heating bills.

 

‘Many cancer patients can’t work because of their illnesses and household income falls by an average of 50% for those of working age.  

 

‘When you consider the increased prices of gas and electricity in recent years and the fact that cancer patients feel the cold more than most, it isn’t surprising that many will need support with their fuel bills this winter – especially after the recent cold snap.

 

‘The Minister must urgently consider what action she and her cabinet colleagues can take to minimise the difficulties being faced by cancer patients so that they can get the help they need.’

 

He added, ‘The very last thing that people who are fighting cancer need is worry about the cost of keeping themselves warm.’

 

Notes:-

 

National Assembly for Wales, Extract of Record of Proceedings, 2nd December 2009, questions to the Minister for Health & Social Services:

 

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Minister, you will be aware that there is also a campaign by Macmillan Cancer Support to support cancer patients with their fuel bills over the winter period. Many cancer patients feel the cold a lot more than they did when they were not having cancer treatment and, as many cancer patients are out of work, they do not have the levels of income that they previously enjoyed. What action are you taking to address that, in conjunction with the Minister responsible for fuel poverty here in the Assembly?

 

Edwina Hart (Minister): We have had representations from Macmillan Cancer Support about this wide range of issues. I have asked my officials to look at them in a positive light to see what we can do within our devolved responsibilities.