UKAF appeal to Chancellor Alistair Darling

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Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling will deliver his second Budget on the 22nd of April 2009. The budget comes at a time when the United Kingdom and many countries around the world are facing a severe economic crisis and a global recession.

The poor are bearing the brunt of the recession. Food prices have gone up - including gluten free products - used by families with autism. Parents have lost their jobs and homes of families with autism have been re-possessed. Some families are in fuel poverty and have had to choose between heating and eating.

The UK Autism Foundation has appealed to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Chancellor Alistair Darling to reach out to families with autism who are below the poverty line.

Recently the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, wrote about autism for the first time. Writing to the UK Autism Foundation, Gordon Brown said: ' We are determined that people with autism and their families get the support they need and deserve, and know that without it the condition can have a devastating impact. ' The Prime Minister also outlined the Government's Autism Plan in his letter to the UK Autism Foundation.

UKAF also heard from the Care Services Minister Phil Hope MP who said that he wants to help parents, carers and people with autism.

Ivan Corea said: 'The April 22nd Budget is absolutely crucial. We are urging Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Chancellor Alistair Darling to help parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Life is extremely hard for many families who are suffering as a result of the economic downturn and the recession. UKAF is calling for Chancellor Darling to increase the tax credits, the disability living allowance and the carer's allowance on 22nd of April. He must help the poor.The economic crisis is having a crippling effect on families with autism who are below the poverty line.'

UKAF has urged Chancellor Alistair Darling to seize the opportunity and reach out to the marginalized and the vulnerable in the April 2009 Budget.

Reference: UK Autism Foundation: www.ukautismfoundation.org