FAMILIES have launched legal challenges to plans by local councils to axe funding for respite care of disabled children.

The High Court is set to make a ruling over the legality of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s move to cut short breaks funding for over 20 disabled children.

There has also been a challenge made against Lancashire County Council and its decision to make multi-million pound cuts to its social care budget.

Both local authorities cut spending after seeing drastic budget reductions in the Government’s spending review.

Mathieu Culverhouse, from law firm Irwin Mitchell, said the decisions represented a breach of disabilities and equalities legislation because there was a failure to take into account what the full impact of the changes on the children would be.

The county council’s legal challenge has been launched on behalf of two families while the Blackburn case involves 20.

Mr Culverhouse said: “These families, along with hundreds of others across the region, rely heavily on this respite care.”

Harry Catherall, deputy chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We provide all that the Government requires, and more, to help children with disabilities enjoy themselves and fulfil their potential.”

Faith Mann, from Lancashire County Council, said: “The council does not accept the criticism that has been made in respect of its budget decisions.”