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More than 4,400 disabled children who need a wheelchair are waiting more than the four-month target for the equipment to be delivered, research reveals today.

NHS England set a target 18 weeks from referral for wheelchairs to be delivered to eligible children.

But only two out of 201 clinical commissioning groups met the target in 2018/19, according to analysis by Labour .

Figures uncovered by the party show it missed the benchmark for more than 4,400 children - meaning only 85% of needy kids received their wheelchairs on time.

The NHS wheelchair charter states access and provision should be equal for all, “irrespective of age or postcode”.

(Image: REUTERS)

Yet only two out of 201 clinical commissioning groups met the target.

Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: “It’s scandalous that there are still thousands of children not receiving wheelchairs on time.

“An ambitious target has once again been missed due to the Tories’ chronic underfunding of the health service.

“Restricting access to wheelchairs or mobility aids has proven negative mental and physical impacts on children’s health, wellbeing and sense of independence.

“Only Labour will provide a £40billion cash rescue plan to invest properly in our NHS.”