Disabled consumers face growing financial uncertainty as everyday costs rise
New research has revealed that 61 per cent of disabled consumers feel more financially uncertain than they did a year ago, as UK inflation rises to 2.9 per cent.
The findings, from disability savings platform Purpl, also show that 64 per cent of disabled consumers say everyday spending decisions feel more mentally exhausting than they did 12 months ago.
The research comes as the Timms Review considers whether Personal Independence Payment (PIP) adequately contributes towards the additional costs faced by disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
Purpl says rising inflation is adding to the financial pressures faced by disabled people, who can experience higher essential costs while having fewer genuinely affordable and accessible choices.
According to the research, 71 per cent of respondents said accessibility and ease of use influence where they shop. This can mean that the cheapest retailer, product or delivery option is not practical or accessible, leaving disabled consumers with fewer suitable choices.
The survey also found that 69 per cent of respondents are now more likely to abandon a purchase than they were a year ago, while 79 per cent are comparing more options before buying.
A further 84 per cent regularly look at discounts and offers without immediately making a purchase.
The findings form part of the first Purpl Pulse report, which combines behavioural data from the Purpl platform with survey responses from 1,344 disabled consumers and 1,012 written comments.
According to Purpl, the effects of continued financial pressure extend beyond reduced spending power, with disabled consumers spending more time checking, comparing and reconsidering their options before an everyday purchase feels affordable, accessible and suitable enough to complete.
Purpl is calling for the PIP review to recognise that the additional costs of disability are not limited to medical equipment, transport, care and higher household bills.
The organisation says disabled consumers may need to pay more for a retailer, product or delivery service that is accessible, requires less physical effort or provides greater confidence that their needs will be met.
One respondent said: “Having to shop around is harder as a wheelchair user. I have to weigh up the cheapest price and add on fuel prices to see where it is best to shop.”
Another commented: “Not only do I have to consider accessibility when shopping, I now have to factor in the excessive price increases with basic groceries.”
Purpl said the findings highlight how the cheapest option on paper may not always be a practical or genuinely available choice for a disabled consumer.
Georgina Colman, founder of Purpl, who has multiple sclerosis and ADHD, said: “Rising energy bills may have driven inflation to its highest rate in four months, but our findings show that financial pressure remains a daily reality for many disabled people in more aspects than just bills.
“The cheapest option is not always a genuine option. An inaccessible website, unsuitable delivery service or physically demanding shopping experience can leave disabled consumers with fewer choices and can mean paying more for something they can actually use.
“As the Timms Review considers the future of PIP, it must recognise the full reality of disability-related costs. These include not only equipment, energy and transport, but the everyday financial compromises caused by having fewer accessible choices.”
The Purpl Pulse report also found that disabled consumers are putting more time and thought into routine purchases, including groceries and clothing.
Consumers are weighing up price alongside accessibility, trust, practicality and the physical effort involved before deciding whether to complete a purchase.
Purpl describes this as a “higher confidence threshold”, where an attractive price alone is not enough to make a purchase feel affordable or manageable.
The report suggests that disabled consumers are not simply spending differently as financial pressure continues, but are also having to make purchasing decisions differently, often from a smaller selection of options that are accessible and practical enough to use.
Purpl has more than 100,000 members and over 400 brand partners, with members collectively saving more than £2 million on groceries, energy, travel, clothing and other everyday expenses.
Alongside its discounts, Purpl provides practical advice on personal finance and disability and has launched the Purpl Grant Community Fund to help disabled people cover essential costs and access vital support.
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