New support for disabled children in Hull

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today backed a new package of improved support for disabled children and their families in Hull.

New funding announced by the Government 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.

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.

Diana Johnson MP said: "I know from my advice surgeries the time and dedication given by parents and carers of disabled children in Hull. These families need more support to give their children the best possible start in life.

"I'm delighted that we are going to do much more to support disabled children here in Hull and across the country. The Government's plans include extra funding to provide more short breaks for severely disabled children and their families and a guarantee that parents will get a greater say in shaping local services, such as through new parents' forums.

"Making sure the views of local parents are heard is vitally important and I will continue listening to families of disabled children in our area about their priorities and concerns."

Ed Balls MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, added: "Diana Johnson MP has been a long-standing champion of disabled children in her Hull North constituency. It's thanks to the efforts of Diana, 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 in Hull over the coming years."

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