• Nearly two-thirds (64%) say everyday spending decisions feel more mentally exhausting than a year ago
• Seven in ten (71%) say accessibility and ease of use influence where they shop
• Purpl is calling for the PIP review to recognise how limited accessible choices can increase the everyday cost of disability
  

August 2026: Three in five (61%) disabled consumers feel more financially uncertain than they did a year ago, in light of UK inflation rising to 2.9%, new research has revealed.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of disabled consumers surveyed by disability savings platform Purpl also say everyday spending decisions feel more mentally exhausting than they did 12 months ago.

The findings come after the Timms Review’s interim report concluded that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is “not fit for purpose”. The review is considering whether PIP adequately contributes towards the additional costs faced by disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, with final recommendations expected in autumn 2026.

Purpl says rising headline inflation hardens the blow of the financial reality for disabled people, who can face higher essential costs and fewer genuinely affordable choices.

Seven in ten respondents (71%) say accessibility and ease of use influence where they shop. This can mean the cheapest retailer, product or delivery option is not practical or accessible, leaving disabled consumers with fewer suitable choices.

More than two-thirds (69%) of those surveyed say they are now more likely to abandon a purchase than they were a year ago. Four in five (79%) are comparing more options before buying, while 84% 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.

The report reveals that the effects of continued financial pressure extend beyond reduced spending power. Disabled consumers are also spending more time checking, comparing and reconsidering their options before an everyday purchase feels affordable, accessible and suitable enough to complete.

The cheapest option is not always accessible

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.

Disabled consumers may need to pay more for a retailer, product or delivery service that is accessible, requires less physical effort or gives them 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 explained: “Not only do I have to consider accessibility when shopping, I now have to factor in the excessive price increases with basic groceries.”

This means the cheapest option on paper may not be a practical or genuinely available choice for a disabled person.

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.”

Every day spending requires more time and energy

The Purpl Pulse report found that disabled consumers are putting more time and thought into routine purchases, including groceries and clothing.

They 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 disabled consumers are not simply spending differently as financial pressure continues. They are having to make 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.

To read the full Purpl Pulse report, visit https://www.purpldiscounts.com/pulse. 

About Purpl

Purpl is the UK’s first money-saving platform for those with a disability or a long-term health condition recognised under the Equality Act, created to reduce the additional financial pressures associated with living with these conditions. Founded by Georgina Colman, who has multiple sclerosis and ADHD, Purpl offers discounts and exclusive offers across various products and services to help members save money. The platform is available online and through the mobile app on the Apple Store and Google Play. Purpl also offers a digital membership card for in-store offers currently available with Halfords, Dunelm and Holland & Barrett. Verified members can access offers from a wide range of brands, including Morrisons, EDF Energy, Hoover, Samsung, Expedia, and more.