Press Release
Do Not Betray Disabled Children
Lanarkshire MP Tom Clarke has issued a stark warning to the SNP and in particular First Minister Alex Salmond, “Do not betray disabled children”. The MP is determined to ensure that disabled children throughout Scotland do not lose out on £34 Million. This special allocation of cash from the Treasury was on the basis that it would provide: more short breaks for severely disabled children and their families, help with affordable childcare and facilitate greater support for young disabled people making the critical transition into adulthood.
Tom Clarke MP said: “I am extremely disappointed to learn that Scotland’s disabled children are the only children in the United Kingdom who look as if they will lose out on this extra cash. Last week in the House of Commons I questioned Children’s Minister Ed Balls on this very subject and he replied:
“There was widespread expectation that the money would be spent not only in England but elsewhere, and that the Barnett consequentials would be spent on disabled children in other parts of the United Kingdom. That is happening in Wales but, to my knowledge, it has not happened in Scotland, where the funds have been diverted to cut council tax. I am very disappointed indeed that the needs of disabled children and their families are not a priority for the Scottish Executive”.
Mr. Clarke added:
“Thus far when the First Minister has been challenged about where this £34 million is to be spent his replies have been shrouded in obfuscation. Two weeks running I have watched Alex Salmond’s blustering but unconvincing response under questioning from Wendy Alexander. Another Scottish Minister tried to kick this issue into the long grass. In my view this is contemptible behaviour towards families who have children with disabilities.”
“When it came to back dating Police pay Mr. Salmond announced it faster than a Formula 1 racing driver. However in delivering for disabled children he has been as slow as a tortoise. The action on police pay and the inaction on disabled children provides a most interesting insight into the priorities of the present minority administration at Holyrood.
“The police and disabled children are at opposite ends of the spectrum. No extra money to fund increases for Police pay but he finds the money. Extra cash for Disabled children and we still don’t know if, when or where they will spend the money. The police could be characterised as powerful, whereas disabled children could be described as vulnerable. On the evidence so far we know that the First Minister responds to the mighty. I am genuinely concerned this cash could be lost. The important issue of children with disabilities and their special needs transcends party politics. And that is why I will continue fighting for this extra £34 million to be spent where it is needed most, and for whom it was intended – children with disabilities”.
Notes:
Tom Clarke MP led a panel of MPs from all parties that published a Report in October 2006 containing a pioneering review of services for disabled children.
The Treasury made n additional £340 million to help disabled children throughout the UK.
Scotland’s share was £34 million.