Manchester signs up to disabled children's charter

Manchester City Council has signed up to the Every Disabled Child Matters (EDCM) Local Authority Charter ahead of a national conference in London on 12 March.

The nine-point charter aims to improve local authority services to disabled children.

By signing up, local authorities have to demonstrate a wide range of policies, including support and training, resources and staffing, information and advice - extending to the involvement of disabled children in drawing up a disability equality scheme and monitoring its effectiveness.

The Executive Member for Children's Services, Councillor Sheila Newman, said: "By signing up to this charter, we are demonstrating the city's support for disabled children and their families. It is all part of the drive to combat child poverty and to increase support and improved services for all vulnerable children."

The city council intends to meet all its charter obligations by next year.

The Local Government Association is hosting the conference on 12 March, supported by the EDCM campaign, with the focus on supporting local authorities to do the best possible job for disabled children, young people and their families.

Manchester is among 57 local authorities that have signed up to the charter which will be an important topic in the one-day conference.

The EDCM campaign includes bodies like the Council for Disabled Children, Mencap, the Special Educational Needs Consortium and Contact a Family.

Media contacts:

Dave Hulme, tel: 0161 234 4610

Jane Lemon, tel: 0161 234 3179