AUTISM BILL SAILS THROUGH THE HOUSE
Glenda is delighted that the Autism Bill was unanimously voted through the House of Commons after its third reading on 19th June 2009. This means that we are a step closer to having England's first ever piece of Autism-specific legislation. The Bill is unusual because it began as a Private Members Bill which was put forward by Cheryl Gillan.
The Bill would make it a requirement for the Secretary of State for Health to an adult autism strategy and to issue associated statutory guidance. It would also place a duty on local authorities and NHS bodies to act under this guidance. Under the Autism Bill, the National Adult Autism Strategy, due at the end of this year, will hold local authorities and NHS services legally responsible for providing support for adults with the condition and make sure that adults have clear routes to diagnosis, assessment and support. That means that as many people as possible need to get involved in the consultation on the adult autism strategy to make sure that we have the strongest possible strategy. Visit www.autism.org.uk/dhstrategy for more information about how you can get involved.
Glenda has always personally supported the Autism Bill, and has written to Cheryl Gillan to express her delight that the bill is nearing legislation.
The Bill was now pass through the House of Lords, and had its first reading on the 22nd June. The second reading is scheduled for the 10th July 2009.
Meanwhile, the 'clean up parliament' bill, which will make claiming illegitimate expenses a criminal offence, is currently being debated in the house (30th June 2009), and will most likely pass through tonight. Glenda is also strongly in favour of this bill, and agrees whole-heartedly that any MP misusing public money is cheating the tax payer and must be stopped.
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