A new report from Newlife (a charity for Disabled Children) reveals that the basic needs of disabled children are not being met, with three in five families unable to access essential specialised equipment. Waiting times are rising, with nearly one in four local authorities having waitlists of at least a year, some extending beyond three years.

Specialised equipment is crucial for the 1.6 million disabled children in the UK, a number that has doubled in the past decade. Both families and professionals are concerned about inadequate provision, with 75% of professionals blaming funding and staff shortages for the delays.

Regions like the Northwest of England face the longest waits, exceeding three years in some cases, followed by Northern Ireland, Wales, and London. The report identifies key barriers: long assessment waits, insufficient budgets, lack of government leadership, and staff shortages.

Newlife has called for a dedicated Minister for Disabled Children to address these issues by accelerating equipment provision, reducing assessment waits, and tackling staff shortages. The charity has also urged for clearer guidance for local services, expansion of the paediatric apprenticeship programme, improved staff retention and training, maximum wait times for assessments, and a ringfenced budget for equipment.