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<p>The 2011 report by ‘Together for Disabled Children’ was published under the previous
coalition government. The findings from the report, and response at the time, are
publicly available and attached.</p><p> </p><p>In 2011, the findings of the report
supported the introduction of a local authority duty to provide a range of short break
services. Between April 2011 and March 2015, £800 million was made available via grants
to support local authorities in meeting these new duties. In addition, £80 million
of capital funding to support new projects.</p><p> </p><p>The government maintains
that short breaks provide opportunities for disabled children and young people to
have an enjoyable experience, which help them become more independent and form friendships
outside their family. They give parents and carers time to do normal activities that
other families take for granted, like doing the shopping or going for a run.</p><p>
</p><p>Since 2011, under the statutory duty, local authorities are required to provide
a range of short breaks services. This shows the available services and how they can
be accessed, including any eligibility criteria. Local authorities must also demonstrate
how they are responding to the needs of local carers.</p><p> </p><p>Local authorities
must consider the needs of local parents and carers when preparing their statements,
reviewing them on a regular basis, as well as monitoring the impact of funding decisions
from year to year.</p><p> </p><p>While responsibility for funding short breaks rests
with local authorities, the department has offered support to help ensure statutory
requirements are met. We have funded innovative grants that promote best practice
for delivering services and continue to consider how we can best support local authorities
who are working to deliver sustainable short breaks provision.</p><p> </p>
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