ED Miliband Urged To Act On Autism And Winter Fuel Poverty, UK

Main Category: Autism
Article Date: 11 Dec 2008 - 2:00 PST

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The UK Autism Foundation has appealed to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to take urgent action and help families and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome who are faced with fuel poverty this Christmas.

The Foundation has been in touch with Chancellor Alistair Darling, Business Secretary Lord Peter Mandelson, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Children's Secretary Ed Balls, over the serious issues connected with winter fuel poverty. MPs in the House of Commons are also poised to support the call of the UK Autism Foundation for support for the vulnerable.

Families with autism below the poverty line are suffering as a result of the cold spell and the rising energy bills. Many are finding it a hard struggle to pay electricity and gas bills this winter and no real help is at hand - despite dropping prices in the energy markets the energy bills are rising to unacceptable levels, particularly during the credit crunch and the recession.

The UK Autism Foundation is urging the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his government to press for a reduced social tariff for all families with disabilities including families with autism, a support structure for families and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome who are finding it a hard struggle to pay electricity and gas bills during the economic downturn. Autism campaigners are concerned that profits are being made at the expense of the vulnerable and are calling for the end to over charging via direct debits and pre-payment meters.

Ivan Corea said: 'Parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome are really suffering as a result of the high energy bills during this recession. They need emergency payments to help them during this crisis.

UK Autism Foundation
Woodford Business Centre
113-115 George Lane
South Woodford
London E18 1AB
United Kingdom
http://www.ukautismfoundation.org