Contact urges government to adopt social care reform proposals

2 mins read

Monday 24 March 2025

Contact Changemaker, Becci Tobin and her son Keir appeared on Channel 4 News talking about lack of social care support for children with some of the most complex needs.

Keir has rare genetic condition GABRB3 and needs round-the-clock care. But the family only get four hours of support through social care. Despite council tax rises coming in April, very little of that goes into support for disabled children and their families.

Anna Bird, Chief Executive of Contact says:

“We are hearing from more and more families whose children have very complex health needs requiring round-the-clock care, who are getting very little, if any, support from social care. Some are rejected by NHS funded care. But social care also push them away, so they are left with nothing, despite very clear need.

“We know council tax is set to rise in most areas at the beginning of April. While some of that goes into children’s social care, the majority goes to privatised children’s care homes and to children’s safeguarding. So there is very little left for families caring for a critically ill and disabled child at home.

“The recent report by Lord Darzi for the NHS plan shows that there has been a 205% increase in the number of children living with life-limiting conditions. But our research shows that local authorities are not tracking these numbers to help them plan for their care or the support for their families. It is a gross failure in their legal duty. And it helps to explain why parents talk about the battle to get help for their child, whether that’s a personal budget, a short break or overnight care.

“That’s why we support the Law Commission’s proposals to improve the law around disabled children’s social care. Families like Becci’s don’t want special treatment they want a fairer, more accessible, system of social care that delivers support when they need it.”

See our response to the Law Commission’s proposals and read about our social care asks.