A HAMPSHIRE father has urged the Government to do more for children with cerebral palsy.

Philip Lea gave evidence at a Parliamentary inquiry identifying policy changes needed to help children with the condition to achieve their potential.

Mr Lea, 56, a solicitor at Southampton firm Moore Blatch, has a daughter with cerebral palsy and was invited to contribute by Action Cerebral Palsy, a consortium of specialist charities, including the Rainbow Centre in Fareham, which his daughter attended and where he is a trustee.

He said: “This inquiry is an excellent opportunity for all those involved to shape and influence health, education and social care and support to be provided to children with cerebral palsy in the future.

“On a personal level it was a great privilege to be given the opportunity to contribute to the democratic process. I whole- heartedly believe that integrating health, education and social services support so that budgets are pooled, as opposed to ring-fenced by conflicting departments, will lead to more beneficial outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.”

Mr Lea, of the Meon Valley, was contributing to discussions around the upcoming Children and Families Act 2014, which comes into force next month.