Fresh hope for parents and carers fighting to protect short breaks service

Parents and carers fighting for the survival of the short breaks service for their disabled children have been given hope.

Lincolnshire County Council had been expected to end or dramatically cut funding in September. But after campaigning by concerned adults and a consultation, the council has revised plans.

In a letter to parents and carers, it said: “The final offer for the delivery of short breaks which have been the focus of the review has been decided as:

• Re-procure a programme of specialist holiday clubs, community groups and youth groups as identified as a key priority throughout the service review
• Implement a grant development fund to allow providers, support groups and social enterprises the opportunity to apply for funding to assist their services to become more inclusive of children and young people with disabilities
• Work more closely with schools to develop their after school clubs offer wherever possible.

Parents and carers are due to meet the council to learn more on Wednesday.