Press Release
£340 Million To Improve Lives Of Disabled Children
Last week it was announced at Number 11 Downing Street that new funding amounting to £340 million will be used to provide more short breaks for severely disabled children and their families, help with affordable childcare and greater support for disabled young people who are making the critical transition to adulthood.
Local MP Tom Clarke was at the forefront a Report that contained a pioneering review of services for disabled children, which has resulted in this huge cash investment.
Mr. Clarke said:
“I warmly welcome this is excellent announcement. I led a panel of MPs from all parties, who listened to the views of disabled children themselves, as well as parents, and professionals into how the system can be improved and updated to reflect the difficulties that disabled children and their families face”.
“Our analysis demonstrated beyond doubt that problems occurred when the child is first born, and how doctors can better help parents to come to terms with and understand their child’s condition, to the prejudices young disabled people face when struggling to get equal access to jobs and live an independent life”.
The MP continued:
“I am acutely aware of the time and dedication given by parents and carers of disabled children in our area and I know that these families need more support to give their children the best possible start in life. Parents of disabled children will also have a greater say in shaping local services and minimum standards will be introduced to make it clear what entitlements and services disabled children, young people and their families can expect. I’m delighted that we are going to do much more to support disabled children here in my constituency and across the country. Making sure the views of local parents are heard is vitally important and I want to continue listening to families of disabled children in our area about their priorities and concerns”.
Ed Balls MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“Tom Clarke MP has been a long-standing champion of disabled children, and I might add his contribution to the Report that led to this announcement was absolutely invaluable. It’s thanks to the efforts of Tom, other MPs and campaigners that the Government has been able to announce this ambitious package of policies to support disabled children and their families. The Government’s long-term goal is to transform the chances of disabled children and their families. This can’t be done overnight but I think these plans are a significant step forward to meeting that goal, and I hope they will make a real difference to disabled children and their families over the coming years.”