Children who care for sick, disabled or dying parents are expected to lobby councillors today to fight proposals to cut a support budget.

Somerset County Council’s scrutiny committee will consider a proposal to halve the £140,000 it spends supporting more than 300 children, helping them enjoy much-needed leisure activities and meet other children.

Parents and the charity Friends of Young Carers say the changes would burden volunteers with too much responsibility and that professional staff trained to work with young people are essential.