CARE for disabled children and young people in Warwickshire is being debated as part of a consultation, being organised by Warwickshire County Council.

Alcester residents are being asked to take part by giving their opinion on how eligibility is decided for different services, and how individual needs are measured so that care and support can be accessed as part of something called a Local Offer.

Warwickshire county councillor Bob Stevens, portfolio holder for children’s health said: “New guidance and a requirement to make unprecedented savings have resulted in a radical rethink of the way we work and the support we provide to children with disabilities.

“In restructuring the social care and short breaks element of the Integrated Disability Service, our priority has always been to ensure targeted support for those with the greatest need. This requires a clear assessment process and a Local Offer which is fair and equitable to all families.

“The views of families have been central to this redesign and we have listened to their needs, further refining the Local Offer to include a tiered system which will ensure appropriate needs based support is available.

“We cannot ignore the fact that savings must be made and in doing so we have protected frontline services as far as possible. Under the Local Offer more families will be eligible for support and some families will get less, but all support offered will be above the minimum requirements. Ultimately, the proposals will deliver more choice for families about the care and support they receive from a network of public and voluntary services.

“The opinions of service users are essential to help us make the right decisions and I invite anyone with an interest in these services to take part in this consultation.”

To take part in the consultation, which is running until July 4, visit warwickshire.gov.uk/ask, or write to idsconsultation@warwickshire.gov.uk or IDS Consultation, Warwickshire County Council, Saltisford Office Park, Ansell Way, Warwick, CV34 4UL.