FIFTY-ONE MPs have backed calls for greater support for carers in the UK.

Ilford North MP Lee Scott tabled an early day motion (EDM) calls for a substantial increase in the allowance for all carers looking after children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Ivan Corea, founder of UK Autism Foundation, George Lane, South Woodford, gave thanks to those parliamentarians who lent their support.

He said: "I am delighted that over fifty parliamentarians of all parties have signed EDM 1551 on Autism and the Carer's Allowance.

"The Government must support parents and carers - autism is a 24 hour job, many carers are not even receiving allowances.

"The UK Autism Foundation is calling on the Government to substantially increase the carer's allowance and support parents, carers,children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

"Many are facing poverty because of the credit crunch and the recession. Families with autism need urgent support "I am grateful to Lee Scott MP for tabling this motion, he has been championing the cause of autism. We have been campaigning solidly for the Government to address the needs of families with autism who are below the poverty line."

Visit ukautismfoundation.org for more information.