CAMPAIGNERS are pleading with Hampshire County Council bosses to rethink plans to slash funding for trips and activities for disabled children that allow parents respite.
As part of wide-ranging cuts to save £26million from the county council's children's services, funding for its short breaks services could be slashed from £2.8m to £1m.
But parents and charity workers say this will put impossible strain on them and their families. A consultation on changes to the way short breaks for disabled children are provided in the county has opened until December 12.
Executive lead member for children’s services Keith Mans said: “We fully understand the importance of short breaks to children, young people, their families and carers but, as much as we would like to, we cannot sustain the current level of funding and at the same time meet our obligation to provide statutory services such as safeguarding - where we are seeing significant growth in the number of children coming into care. Unfortunately, difficult decisions have to be made and we want to hear from as many people as possible, especially those people who may be affected by any changes to the short breaks services.”
To take part, complete the questionnaire online, email disabledchildrenconsultation @hants.gov.uk or ring 01962 846370.
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