Catholic Children's Society (Westminster) joins leading charities calling on government for action for disabled children.
9 August 2011
The Catholic Children’s Society has joined 25 leading disability and children’s charities and other organisations to petition the government to re-think its welfare reforms with regards to disabled children.
The government’s universal credit proposals mean that, potentially, 100,000 disabled children could face their welfare support being cut by up to £27 per week or £22,000 from birth until they reach the age of 16.
Welfare support is paid on a per child basis so families with two disabled children will, potentially, lose twice this much and as the support is means tested inevitably the poorest families will be the hardest hit.
The petition 'Don’t let disabled children pay the price of welfare reform', clearly states that cutting support removes a critical lifeline for many families, many of whom will be pushed below the poverty line by this change. It is critical that families with disabled children receive financial support to help offset the many additional costs,for example extra caring responsibilities.
The petition is supported by 25 major charities working with literally hundreds of thousands of children and disabled people. The aim is to use the government’s e-petition scheme and try to get 100,000 signatures to secure a debate and vote on the issue in the House of Commons.
Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive, The Children’s Society, said: 'We need the government to understand the significance of this change for disabled children and their families. 100,000 disabled children are going to face a substantial cut in benefits which could push them into poverty.
'£27 is more than half of a family’s average weekly food budget. For a low income family living on the breadline, this could mean the difference between meeting their children’s basic needs and finding themselves simply unable to cope’.
Dr Rosemary Keenan, CEO of the Catholic Children’s Society pledged unconditional support for the petition initiative. She said ‘We know only too well the massive impact that the recession has had on children and families living in poverty. A government reduction in welfare support for vulnerable disabled children is inconcievable and too appaling to even contemplate. I strongly urge all friends and supporters of the Catholic Children’s Society to Make A Difference and sign this petition without delay’
To sign the petition click here.
Your signature on this petition will Make A Difference.
Petition Supporters:
The Children’s Society
TUC
Action for Children
Ambitious about autism
Barnardo’s
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion
Child Poverty Action Group
Children England
Contact a Family
Disability Alliance
Every Disabled Child Matters
Family Action
Family Rights Group
Gingerbread
Leonard Cheshire Disability
Mencap
National Autistic Society
RADAR
Save the Children
Teenage Cancer Trust
The Communication Trust
The Fostering Network
Zacchaeus 2K
Contact a Family