Legal standards to be set for short breaks provision

The move represents a U-turn by junior children's minister Lord Andrew Adonis, who recently dismissed claims by campaign group Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) that a legal right already existed (CYP Now, 23-29 January).

Lord Adonis said he did not think a new duty was the best way to improve short break provision. However, speaking at an event in Sutton last week, he confirmed the government was looking into legal changes.

Christine Lenehan, spokeswoman for EDCM, said: "The fact the government is considering legal standards for short breaks shows their commitment to long-term change."

The government pledged three years of funding for short breaks in its strategy Aiming Higher for Disabled Children last year.

Lenehan said: "The challenge will be sustaining that level of services. Funding is still needed, but a legal requirement would be a powerful lever for families to use locally."