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Lorely Burt MPWorking hard for Solihull |
LORELY BURT MP BACKS CAMPAIGN TO FUND VITAL EQUIPMENT FOR DISABLED CHILDREN
February 13, 2007 12:00 AM
Lorely Burt MP with mum, Donna Giles (left), three-year-old Cerys Giles and eleven-year-old Nathan
Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has responded to a call by eleven-year-old Shirley youngster, Nathan Giles to back a national petition to get better funding for equipment for disabled children.
The petition, run by children's charity BDF Newlife, aims to raise up to 250,000 signatures to present with a report to government this year highlighting inadequate financial support for parents to purchase vital equipment for disabled youngsters.
Lorely Burt MP said:
"It's not too much to ask that disabled, sick and terminally ill children get the essential equipment they need for their daily lives, and yet an interim report by BDF Newlife shows many parents resort to purchasing equipment through loans or on credit cards because they cannot get adequate funding.
"On average, PCTs spend just £45,375 per year and Local Authorities just £59,961 per year providing equipment to children in their area.
"Disabled children under two years old will need three pieces of equipment daily to provide basic care. The average cost of a powered wheelchair is around £3,500 and special seating can cost up to £2000.
"PCT spending averaging under £46,000 on all children in one area means most children will go without vital equipment unless parents or charities can cover the shortfall.
"Readers can download petition sheets or sign the petition online by visiting www. bdfnewlife.co.uk It's not too much to ask for a better deal for disabled young people.
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