Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what targeted steps her Department has taken to help ensure that children with complex disabilities and their families are supported during the cost of living crisis.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The government understands that people are worried about the cost of living challenges ahead, we have announced further support for next year worth £26 billion, designed to target the most vulnerable households.

The government continues to provide access to grant funding for families on low incomes who are raising disabled or seriously ill children. This is done through a grant to the Family Fund Trust. This funding amounts to £27.3 million per year and allows families to receive grants for a range of items, including white goods, resources for learning and play, technology, or family breaks. This helps families raising disabled and seriously ill children to manage their child’s care and support needs, whilst helping the family manage better financially.

The department is offering support to help people with the costs of childcare, housing, transport, and bills. Families can find out the support that they could be eligible for by accessing the government’s list of cost of living support, available at: https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/?_ga=2.188236392.1101001340.1669046187-1414152061.1644494944.