Proposed changes to Short Breaks Local Offer (SBLO)

Posted Monday 19th October 2026

Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is consulting on proposed changes to the Short Breaks Local Offer (SBLO), which could affect how children and families access short break services, including SNAP.


HCC has asked St Albans Mencap to share information about the proposals with our families and encourage them to take part in the consultation.


What is being proposed?


Currently, children who meet certain eligibility criteria, such as confirmation from a school SENCO or receipt of the middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), can access up to 40 hours of SBLO support. Families can then apply to services that best meet their child's needs, with additional hours potentially available through the 0–25 team.

HCC has explained that demand for short break services has increased significantly in recent years, while funding and available support hours have not kept pace. The council is therefore proposing a more targeted approach to allocating support.

Under the proposals:

  • Individual assessments: Children would receive a care assessment, with support allocated according to their individual circumstances and assessed level of need.
  • A focus on higher levels of need: The aim would be to direct support towards children and families with the greatest needs.
  • An increase in hourly costs: The proposed cost of services would rise to £5 per hour. Financial support would continue to be available for families receiving income-related benefits or needing help with costs.


These proposals could mean that some children who currently access services may no longer be eligible, while other families could receive fewer hours of support, depending on the final arrangements.


What does this mean for SNAP families?


There are no immediate changes to our services. HCC is still consulting on the proposals, and the current arrangements remain in place.


SNAP will continue to operate as normal and accept SBLO hours throughout the remainder of this year. HCC has indicated that SBLO funding and arrangements will remain in place from April 2027. Should the proposals progress, the council has indicated that it will provide a clear implementation timeline. We understand that any changes would be expected to take place over a longer period, rather than within the next few months.

We recognise that the possibility of changes to short break provision may feel worrying for families. We will continue to share updates as further information becomes available.


Have your say


We encourage all SNAP families to read the consultation information and consider sharing their views directly with Hertfordshire County Council.


Your experiences of using SNAP, and the difference our services make to your child and your family, are important. Sharing your views will help HCC understand the potential impact of these proposals on children, young people and their families.


Read the consultation information:


The consultation information includes further details about the proposals, dates and opportunities to share your views.


We're here to support you


The SNAP team understands that families may have questions or concerns about these proposals. If you would like anything clarified, or simply want to talk through what the proposals might mean, please do not hesitate to contact us.


We will keep families informed as we receive further information.