In recent developments, Wrexham County Borough Council is planning to remove the option for families of children with disabilities and complex needs to hire self-employed Personal Assistants. This decision threatens the flexibility and personalisation of care that these families desperately need and deserve. Routine and consistent personal care is critical for children with disabilities and complex needs, and the option to employ self-employed Personal Assistants provides families with the ability to choose the best individuals who can cater specifically to their child's unique requirements.

Self-employed Personal Assistants bring a level of continuity and familiarity that are invaluable for children who may find changes in caregivers distressing. Many families have cultivated long-standing working relationships with their personal assistants, ensuring a trusted and seamless integration of their care regime.

The council's proposal to eliminate this option not only disrupts the care structure that works so effectively for many families, but it also limits parental choice. Limiting options to only those provided through agencies can result in inconsistent care, lack of autonomy in choosing caregivers, and potentially longer wait times to find the right support. Self-employed Personal Assistants are often more flexible with their hours, which is critical for families managing the unpredictable needs and schedules of children with disabilities.

Furthermore, this decision does not take into account the economic impact on self-employed Personal Assistants, many of whom rely significantly on this work. They are not only caregivers but also highly skilled professionals who have built meaningful careers out of providing dedicated service to families in need.

Families, quite rightly, are concerned about the implications of removing a well-functioning system that prioritizes the children’s wellbeing and places their care choices in someone else's hands. We urge Wrexham County Borough Council to reconsider and maintain the current system that empowers parents and supports children with personalised care.

Please sign this petition to ensure that families in Wrexham continue to have access to self-employed Personal Assistants. Let your voice be heard and help protect the future of children's care and support services in Wrexham.

this is on behalf of a family member receives direct payments for my self employed PA service as the family do not use social media .