Parents at the centre of a battle with West Berkshire Council over deep cuts to respite services have applied for legal aid to challenge the move.
The authority plans to cut funding to local voluntary organisations providing respite care by more than 57 per cent, from £386,575 to £163,432.
In July a cut of 48 per cent by the council was deemed unlawful by a High Court judge because it failed to consider its legal duties.
But the authority stood by the controversial move following a vote last month.
Impact on parents
The families of a 14-year-old boy, identified only as DAT, and eight-year-old girl, known only as BNM, took action amid concerns about the impact on parents relying on respite for breaks.
The mother of BNM, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “We’re in the process of applying for legal aid. We have been back in touch with our solicitor and legal aid has been applied for to enable us to investigate whether to make a new challenge.”
BNM is eight years old and has autism, ADHD, epilepsy and cortical dysplasia, a brain malformation in the part of the brain responsible for emotional and impulse control.
Benefited from respite care
BNM’s mother, who also has a 12-year-old son, says she is incredibly volatile and can be violent. She requires constant attention.
DAT, who has autism and a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called Williams syndrome, requires round-the-clock care. He cannot be left unsupervised and is unable to wash, dress or get food and drink for himself.
Both families have benefited from respite care.
Irwin Mitchell solicitor Alice Cullingworth, who is representing BNM and DAT, said: “We are discussing the options with our clients and investigating whether the decision is lawful.”
West Berkshire Council insists there will be no reductions in services for children with the highest level of need.
Published: 9 October 2016
