‘AIMING HIGH’ GRANTS – CABINET MEMBER’S REASSURANCE

‘AIMING HIGH’ GRANTS – CABINET MEMBER’S REASSURANCE

West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member Pete Bradbury has made it clear that the ‘Aiming High for Disabled Children’ grant fund is to continue during the remainder of the financial year.

The fund pays for short breaks for families with disabled children in West Sussex.

Pete, who is Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said the Government has reduced many grants to local authorities in the current financial year, including West Sussex, as part of its drive to cut the national deficit.

The Government has also relaxed the ring-fencing that surrounds other grants to give local authorities more flexibility over spending decisions.

He said: “I am aware there has been some concern over whether this grant is affected.

“That is why I want to reassure parents who are receiving support that the ‘Aiming High’ grant fund is not being reduced, and the project will continue through to the end of March 2011 as planned.

“But, I must make it very clear that we cannot guarantee funding beyond this financial year.

“The future for ‘Aiming High’ will very much depend on the Government’s autumn spending statement, when it will set out future levels of support for local government and grant funded projects like this.

“I am very aware of the excellent support that ‘Aiming High’ has given many parents of disabled children in West Sussex since the main programme started in April 2009.

“I am glad to make it clear that the existing grant fund for schemes such as short breaks, and some capital projects, such as adapting buildings for disabled children, will not be reduced between now and the end of next March.”

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