Families with disabled children asked to pay back some of their Short Break Voucher cash for much-needed respite

Short Break Vouchers are available to families with children and young people with a disability or additional needs, and they can be used for sporting and recreational activities.

Worth £120 a year, the vouchers can also be used for trips to the cinema, after-school clubs and holiday clubs.

But MK Council has recently requested that those who have received their annual allocation of Short Break Vouchers repay 25 per cent back to the council.

People who have yet to receive their vouchers will only be provided with vouchers worth 75 per cent of their previous allocation for the next year.

The decision has prompted criticism from the Conservative group on the Labour-led council.

"Short Break Vouchers are available to support families with needed respite as well as to help fund sport and leisure activities. Families with disabled children have been under increased stress under lockdown and to exit lockdown with a cut to a scheme designed to assist these families will come as difficult news," said Cllr David Hopkins, the Conservative’s spokesperson for children and families.

He said evidence showed sporting and recreational activity were "huge factors" in contributing to good mental health.

"Recent statistics show the number of adults suffering from depression has doubled when compared with figures this time last year. Worryingly, people under 40 and those with disabilities are at the highest risk of showing symptoms of depression."

The Tories are calling for the council to return to the full £120 allocation and cancel the payback scheme.

Cllr Hopkins said: “The short break vouchers are a hugely worthwhile and essential scheme that our residents

value. They provide an opportunity for families with disabilities and additional needs to enjoy a wide variety of activities that will produce treasured memories, fun days out and improve everyone’s sense of wellbeing.

"Many such families have been placed under enormous levels of stress during lockdown, coping with children’s mental health and anxiety issues, and this is simply adding to the concerns for those families.

"MK Council must do the right thing and revert back to the original allocation of funding.”