‘I want to live’: the disabled people unable to go abroad because of care funding refusal
Campaigners say care users face a postcode lottery for support overseas – despite no extra cost to taxpayer Disabled people are being blocked from travelling abroad by NHS care boards and local councils that refuse to let them use their care funding outside the UK, the Guardian has learned. Campaigners warn of a “postcode lottery” in England where the right of a disabled person to travel overseas…
Disabled people in England are facing a postcode lottery when it comes to accessing care funding for travel abroad, according to campaigners. Despite no extra cost to the taxpayer, NHS care boards and local councils are refusing to allow disabled individuals to use their care funding outside the UK, leading to frustration and stress for those affected.
Lucy Robinson, a 38-year-old quadriplegic and president of the European Spinal Cord Injury Federation, has experienced this issue firsthand. Health officials in Oxfordshire refused to allow her to use her care package for international work events and a holiday, causing her significant stress. Robinson's quality of life is closely tied to travel, as it plays a crucial role in her work and personal life. She wants to live, not just exist.
The lack of consistent rules and guidelines from NHS and council authorities has led to calls for national guidance on the rights of disabled people to take their carers abroad. Carol Barraclough, advocacy and support manager at the Spinal Injuries Association, emphasizes that refusing to pay for care and support overseas does not save the taxpayer any money. She advocates for clear and consistent guidance on the rights of disabled individuals to travel with their carers.
The situation varies across different councils and NHS regions. Some have explicit policies allowing overseas care, while others agree in principle but impose numerous conditions. Others still allow travel at the discretion of their officials. While some councils are willing to fund care abroad without conditions, others attach strings or require the care user to arrange their own insurance and pay for assistant expenses.
The Guardian's analysis reveals a diverse range of policies across councils and NHS organizations. Some are explicit about allowing overseas care, while others attach conditions or rely on the discretion of officials. There are concerns that cultural prejudices about disability, such as the assumption that disabled people lack families, partners, or jobs, may contribute to the postcode lottery approach.
Disabled individuals in England can receive care funding through two main sources: NHS continuing healthcare for those with the highest needs and social care paid for by local councils. Anne-Marie Irwin, a solicitor representing Lucy Robinson, explains that NHS care boards have a legal duty to meet a disabled person's assessed needs, even if they temporarily leave the UK. As long as the care user remains a resident of the ICB's area, this duty persists.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
