Northamptonshire County Council is considering changes to the short break service that provides respite care for children and young people with disabilities so that their families and carers can recharge their batteries. The review threatens to close at least one of the local centres that provide these services. The services are essential to help families to provide their dedicated care. Whatever the financial pressures, there can be no justification for scrapping these much valued essential services - which include the John Greenwood Shipman Centre in Northampton. We the undersigned are totally opposed to any reduction in the number of places for short breaks for children and young people with disabilities in Northamptonshire. We want to see properly funded services for people with disabilities.