David Ramsden, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “Many people with cystic fibrosis are in a desperate situation and face a very challenging winter. While it is relief that the Chancellor has responded to our call for benefits to be increased in line with inflation, this increase needs to be implemented immediately, rather than waiting until April 2023. Every day our Helpline hears awful stories, such as, a man with CF who has been sleeping in his car as he was too afraid to put his heating on at home after getting into debt with his energy supplier, and a mother of a young child with CF who was choosing not to eat to make sure her little boy was fed and kept warm. Even before this latest crisis 1 in 3 people told us they were missing vital hospital appointments because of concerns about the cost of travel, and we fear this will get worse.

“We also know that the existing pressures on the NHS budget have put a huge strain on resources needed to provide lifesaving specialist care for people with cystic fibrosis. It is vital that the Government ensures that people with CF receive the specialist care and support they need for the long term, and that their health is not a victim of this crisis.”