Kent Council Opens Consultation on Short Breaks Strategy for Disabled Children and Families

Kent County Council is inviting residents to share their views on its new Short Breaks Strategy 2026–2031, which outlines how the council will provide support services for disabled children, young people and their families across the county.

The consultation, which runs until 30 April 2026, covers a comprehensive range of services including Short Breaks Day Activities, overnight Short Breaks, Care and Support in the Home and Direct Payments. The strategy aims to enhance opportunities for disabled children and young people whilst reducing waiting times and improving the overall support available to families.

The Short Breaks Strategy sets out the council’s proposed approach to delivering inclusive, community-based services. According to the council, the strategy aims to support the development and independence of disabled children and young people whilst offering families meaningful respite from caregiving responsibilities. The strategy has been developed following extensive consultation with families and service providers, and identifies seven key objectives focused on improving access, equity and quality of services.

Short Breaks Day Activities provide local, flexible activities for disabled children and young people in their communities. These services are currently commissioned through a competitive grant process, which the council says has delivered positive outcomes for children and families. The current grants arrangement has enabled improved ways of recording performance and attendance, allowing detailed analysis of the service’s effectiveness. A review after the first year identified better reach of service and improved value for money.

From 1 April 2026, Kent County Council will continue to offer two-year grants for Short Breaks Day Activities, running until 31 March 2028, with an optional 12-month extension through to 31 March 2029. The council has confirmed that a competitive open grant process will be undertaken, with applications organised on a district basis to help ensure sufficient service coverage across Kent.

The forthcoming consultation is particularly significant as it will inform the council’s longer-term approach to Short Breaks services. The council has stated that any future commissioning decisions will be shaped by feedback from this public consultation, ensuring that services align with family needs and expectations.

Residents, service users, families and providers are encouraged to participate in the consultation process. This feedback will help shape how Short Breaks services are delivered across Kent over the next five years, ensuring they continue to meet the evolving needs of disabled children, young people and their families.

Key Takeaways

• Kent County Council is consulting on its Short Breaks Strategy 2026–2031, with feedback needed by 30 April 2026
• The strategy covers day activities, overnight breaks, home support and direct payments for disabled children and young people
• Current grant-based commissioning for day activities will continue through to at least March 2028, with a potential extension to March 2029

What This Means for Kent Residents

Families with disabled children across Kent are encouraged to have their say on how Short Breaks services should develop over the coming years. The consultation provides an opportunity to influence decisions about the flexibility, accessibility and quality of support available. Residents can find out more information and submit their feedback through the council’s official consultation channels before the 30 April 2026 deadline.