A charity has warned that vital services for children with disabilities and additional needs are at risk.

Brainwave, based in Bridgwater, has signed an open letter to the chancellor, urging the government to acknowledge the severe financial difficulties faced by the not-for-profit sector.

The letter describes a "triple threat" of rising service demand, operational costs, and funding pressures, compounded by changes to employer national insurance contributions.

Brainwave's chief executive Keith Sinclair said: "Charities are navigating the same economic pressures as for-profit businesses, from rising operational costs to the challenges of maintaining vital support services.

"However, we lack the ability to mitigate these costs by adjusting our pricing to pass these on.

"For families relying on our support—who already face higher living expenses from raising a child with a disability—puts these vital services at risk."

Mr Sinclair also highlighted that the charity's income is entirely self-generated through fundraising and charity shops.

He explained: "These increases will put more pressure on our team in an already challenging fundraising environment.

"Now more than ever, we urge the Government to recognise the unique pressures charities face and offer support."

Brainwave and other charities are urging the government to consider exempting not-for-profit organisations from the proposed employer national insurance hikes.