National MS Charity the MS Society have given the following response to last week’s Autumn Budget;
Funding for healthcare
£22.6 billion of extra funding was announced for the NHS in England, as well as a commitment to decrease waiting times for patients accessing treatment. This is welcome news, as we know people with MS are facing significant delays at the moment. However, the MS community need to see investment across all of the services that people with MS require – from GP appointments to community support like physiotherapy.
Still in limbo on changes to disability benefits
The Budget was missing crucial details on changes to disability benefits. The Chancellor committed to “deliver the savings” of the previous government’s proposed changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). But exactly how they might take forward these plans is unclear. We’re calling on the government to start to rebuild trust by being clear on their long term plans for the WCA and PIP, and prioritising disabled people’s financial security over cost-cutting.
Good news for carers
There will be a rise in the Carer’s Allowance earnings limit from £151 a week to £196. This means people can earn up to £196 a week from paid work and still receive Carer’s Allowance, and could mean a little more money in the pockets of many who care for a loved one with MS. But there is still more the government could do to support unpaid carers.
Source : MS Society
For full information on the MS Society’s response to the budget and related campaigns, please visit their website.
