Trudi Beswick responds to the measures set out in the Budget – March 3 2021.

“While there are lots of announcements to help stimulate the economic recovery from COVID-19, it’s disappointing that lots of families with disabled children continue to be excluded from the uplift in Universal Credit, as announced in today’s Budget by the Chancellor.

“Many of the people on so-called ‘legacy benefits’ have a disability and we have seen first-hand that many families we support are struggling to afford essentials during the pandemic.

“Caudwell Children offers support to the families with disabled children. In particular our Warm Homes services helps eligible families to maximise their incomes and manage household bills – but there’s only so much that charities can do.

“Disabled children and their families need long-term support to ensure they feel valued, supported and financially secure. Instead the Chancellor’s omission will simply cause further concern.

“We hope he will urgently re-think his proposals and extend the uplift so that people do not have to choose between their health and their finances.”