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Families of children with autism and learning disabilities have forced the UK government into a u-turn over its limit on outdoor exercise.
People with autism and learning disabilities can now go out for exercise three times a day and travel beyond their local area.
Lawyer Jamie Potter, who said the government’s decision to amend its guidance so families can go out up to three times a day was “proportionate and sensible”
The government changed its guidance on outdoor exercise after two families threatened court action over the one-trip-out-a-day limit.
Quiet location
One of the unidentified families said they were taking their child to a quiet location not local to them. They said the reason was that the destination suited their needs better and cut the risk of infection.
Lawyers said the limit of one trip a day was “unlawful and discriminatory”. This was because it disproportionately affected adults and children with disabilities.
Solicitors Emma Varley and Jamie Potter, of Bindmans, and barrister Steve Broach, of 39 Essex Chambers, acted for the families.
Humanity and compassion ‘must still prevail’
In a statement, one of the families said: “The coronavirus pandemic is a crisis for everyone, but humanity and compassion, as well as our basic rights, must still prevail.”
Potter called the amendment “proportionate and sensible”. He said it was “essential that everyone is clear as to what is and what is not permitted”.
The new guidance says those with a “significant health condition” can leave their homes for “medical need”.
Outdoor exercise up to three times a day
They can go out up to “two or three times each day — ideally in line with a care plan agreed with a medical professional”.
It adds that travel should still be “limited, as close to your local area as possible”, and you should remain at least two metres from others who are not members of your household or carers.
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Published: 14 April 2020