Over fifty parliamentarians of all parties have signed early day motion 1551 on Autism and the Cerer's Allowance. The motion was tabled by Lee Scott MP in the House of Commons in Westminster. Autism campaigners have been calling on the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State at the Department of Work and Pensions to substantially increase the Carer's Allowance.
Autism Carers deserve better. Some are on 75 pence an hour, in terms of the allowances. There are many who are not even on any allownces. Autism is a 24 hour job and parents and carers are in need of urgent help and support. The UK Autism Foundation has been spearheading a campaign for substantial increases to the Carer's Allowance for all those who are caring for children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
EDM 1551 now before the House of Commons states:
That this House pays tribute to and acknowledges the valuable contribution made by thousands of parents and carers in supporting the needs of children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome; supports the call of the UK Autism Foundation urging the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to consider a substantial increase to the carer's allowance; shares the concern of the UK Autism Foundation that the present economic crisis is plunging some parents, carers and families with autism into poverty; and backs the call of autism campaigners for the Government to increase tax credits, the disability living allowance and the carer's allowance in order for parents, carers and children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome to survive the credit crunch and the deepening recession.
