Leading autism campaigners, Ivan Corea, CEO of the UK Autism Foundation, Anna Kennedy Co-Founder of Hillingdon Manor, Carole Rutherford, Co-Founder Autism-in-Mind and Sandy Howarth, author of No Matter What (Autism) have appealed to Chancellor George Osborne to protect the vulnerable and the poor from the savage cuts to welfare benefits and public services scheduled to be outlined in the Emergency Budget on Tuesday 22nd June.

 

In a letter published in the Sunday Telegraph,(20 June) the autism campaigners state:

'We are deeply concerned as parents and carers about plans to cut Child tax credits, slashing the disability living allowance and taxing child benefit in the Emergency Budget this week. These measures could hurt families and people with autism and Asperger syndrome.

We are calling on the new coalition Government to give a firm commitment that it will protect the vulnerable and the poor from the cuts to welfare benefits and public services.Those affected by autism and Asperger Syndrome face a series of financial challenges.

Whilst accepting that the public finances should be reviewed it surely can’t be right that individuals affected by autism and Asperger syndrome should be asked to shoulder such a heavy burden.'

Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation has called on Prime Minister David Cameron to keep his promise that he will protect the vulnerable and the poor.