EDCM supporters send powerful message to the Prime Minister

4th January 2012

Biggest ever support action marks end of successful year of campaigning

The Prime Minister received a powerful message not to cut benefits for disabled children from thousands of EDCM supporters in the run up to Christmas. On Monday 12 December, the House of Lords voted on an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill on Government plans  to halve 'disability additions' for families with disabled children within the planned Universal Credit . This proposal could cost thousands of families with disabled children up to £1,400 a year. Disability additions are a benefit for low income and out of work families with a child who is in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). They exist in the current benefits system through Child Tax Credits.

Over 4,600 emails have been sent to the Prime Minister by EDCM's supporters making it EDCM's most successful supporter action ever. The number of people who contacted David Cameron has sent a clear message that it is not acceptable to target cuts at these families.

EDCM is currently seeking a response from the Prime Minister. This success provided a great end to a challenging year, in which thousands of EDCM supporters have written to their local councilors, MPs, and the Government, helping to place disabled children high on the political agenda. Below are some of the achievements we have won together.

In 2011 you have helped us to make sure that:

•    Government investment in short breaks for families with disabled children was increased to £800 million between 2011 and 2014

•    Government policy on improving services for disabled children was published in a Special Educational Needs and Disability Green Paper, including many of EDCM's long-term campaign asks

•    Local authorities published a 'short breaks statement' on their website and many signed the updated EDCM Charter

•    Changes to DLA for under 16s were delayed

•    Rights for disabled children and their families were protected by the Department of Communities and Local Government

•    Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health, acknowledged our concerns about the impact of NHS reforms on disabled children

What will we need your help with in 2012

2012 will bring many more challenges and we will continue to need your help and support. EDCM will be working to:

•    Make sure that the Welfare Reform Bill sustains financial support for families with disabled children - and that the Prime Minister lives up to his promise that 'We will not be cutting benefits for disabled children'!

•    Make sure that the Health & Social Care Bill and the NHS Future Forum make better outcomes for disabled children and their families a high priority

•    Ensure local authorities continue to meet their duty to provide short breaks