'It Always Comes Down to Money': Disability Report published

Date: 20th September 2013
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

A new report about service provision to disabled children and young people, It Always Comes Down to Money, was launched at a conference organised by the Commissioner's office.

The report, by the University of Strathclyde's Professor Kirsten Stalker, finds that services for disabled young people and their families have declined markedly across Scotland as a consequence of public sector cuts.

The Commissioner, Tam Baillie, said: "There is evidence of cuts in local budgets leading to reductions in services alongside tighter eligibility criteria, support being removed without review or reassessment, and a lack of consultation. In many cases, the changes have resulted in stress, disappointment and frustration for disabled children, young people and their families."

There is a real danger of children and young people's entitlements under international conventions and UK and Scots law being eroded, he said. The cuts could "undermine established good policy and practice".

The key recommendation in the report is that local authorities, health boards and voluntary organisations must ensure they are observing disabled children's legislative rights and entitlements.

The conference, Service Provision to Disabled Children and Young People and their Families in Scotland, was chaired by Muriel Gray and attended by 130 delegates.

• Download the report here.