Wiltshire Council reserves the right to close the scheme if the available budget is exhausted. Eligible families are therefore encouraged to apply promptly!
An Update from Wiltshire Council for 2022-2023 Wiltshire Council continues to be fully committed to providing the short breaks service in the county, and to helping to support children and young people with SEND, and their families/carers. There has been another significant increase in the number of children and young people in Wiltshire with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) this year, and it is good to see all partners working together to do all they can to support children, young people and families, and have access to the appropriate advice and information. Wiltshire Council, like all councils is facing unprecedented financial pressures due to the impact of the COVID pandemic. Financial challenges and another year that sees a large increase in the number of eligible children and young people who qualify for support under the Short Breaks Scheme, means that with regret, payment amounts this year see a slight reduction from last year. This reduction has been necessary to ensure that as a council, we are able to support all of the eligible children, young people and families in Wiltshire, and that the funding is shared out equally for everyone. To support this slight reduction, it has been agreed that the first payments will be up to £280 for the Scheme payment option and up to £140 for the COMBO. The second payment will be up to £60 for the scheme payment or up to £30 for the COMBO option. This will mean a total of up to £340 for Scheme Payment option and up to £170 for the COMBO option.
We are also investing in a Small Grant Scheme to provide additional inclusive opportunities in the community for the children and young people with SEND of Wiltshire, and we will continue to look for ways to make sure that we support all those with SEND across the county.
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