Care ‘loophole’ hits family of disabled Accrington toddler
Care ‘loophole’ hits family of disabled Accrington toddler
11:36am Thursday 9th June 2011
HYNDBURN’S MP is backing the family of a disabled toddler ‘penalised’ because they have to care for him full time.
Two-year-old Finley Rosbotham’s amazing progress has recently seen him take his first steps despite having cerebral palsy and being born paralysed down one side and with part of his brain missing.
His parents, full-time mum Kelly and Asda baker Ivan, said they had used therapy sessions at Accrington’s Holly House to help overcome his problems.
However, Kelly said her decision to give up work leaves her without childcare for Finley’s twin Ellie.
She receives carers allowance, which is classed as income, but as she is not a working mum her tax credits have been reduced by £30 a week.
Because she cannot bring Ellie to therapy sessions she has to pay a £50 weekly childcare bill – which would be paid for if she worked.
MP Graham Jones said she was the ‘victim of a loophole in the system’ which left the family footing the bill.
He said: “I am angry at this decision, because her tax credits and her role as carer have been treated as seperate issues rather than together.
“Caring is a full-time job and should be treated as such.
“She has fallen thorough a loophole and the county council should have been the safety net.”
He said he would raise the tax credits situation with HMRC.
Kelly, who also has two older children, said: “I am really upset, because it leaves me torn between the twins’ needs.
“What do they expect me to do with my daughter – leave her on the street?
“I feel I am being told it’s either do that or drop Finley’s therapy.”
She applied to LCC’s social services department for extra support, but has been refused.
LCC’s member for children Susie Charles said: “Whilst the council administers government-funded childcare for three and four-year-olds, we are unable to provide funding for childcare for younger children, however sympathetic we may be to the family.”
