Muscular Dystrophy UK’s comment on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

We welcome the rise of benefits and state pensions in line with inflation, as a measure that will help alleviate some of the financial burden for people living with a muscle-wasting condition

In the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 17 November 2022, we were pleased to hear commitments to measures that we, and others, have been calling for in relation to the rising costs of living.

Following the publication of our October 2022 report, The impact of rising costs on people living with a muscle-wasting condition, we were keen to hear what steps the Chancellor would be taking today.

We welcome the rise of benefits and state pensions in line with inflation, as a measure that will help alleviate some of the financial burden for people living with a muscle-wasting condition. There are also additional parts of the plan that recognise the increased level of support that is needed for our community.

However, there are other areas whether further action is needed. In particular, we still have concerns around targeted support for energy costs, and the social care sector, which are outlined in our October 2022 report.

We will publish more details soon about what some of the other measures announced in this statement will mean for people living with a muscle-wasting condition.

Learn more about our cost of living campaign activity and read Trevor’s story about his experience facing rising costs while living with a muscle-wasting condition.