In light of the Timms Review, which is currently considering whether Personal Independence Payment (PIP) adequately contributes towards the additional costs faced by disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, nearly two-thirds of respondents to a survey by disabled discount website Purpl said their everyday spending decisions feel more mentally exhausting than a year ago.
Also of relevance to the convenience sector, over seven in ten (71%) of respondents said accessibility and ease of use influence where they shop.
The findings come after the Timms Review’s interim report concluded that 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.
The aforementioned 71%’s response can mean the cheapest retailer, product or delivery option is not practical or accessible, leaving disabled consumers with fewer suitable choices.
Abandoned purchases
More than two-thirds (69%) of those surveyed also said they’re 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 effects of continued financial pressure extend beyond reduced spending power.”
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.
Purpl is calling for the PIP review to recognise that the additional costs of disability are not just limited to medical equipment, transport, care and higher household bills.
Paying more
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. This means the cheapest option on paper may not be a practical or genuinely available choice for a disabled person.
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.
Different decisions
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.
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 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.”
To read the full Purpl Pulse report, click here.
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