Disabled girl's family reject fine help

Naomi Perkins suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy

A south Wales couple who have been ordered to pay back 10 years of invalidity benefit for their adopted daughter have turned down an offer to pay the fine.

A viewer of BBC Wales's regional news programme Wales Today had offered to pay the £2000 demanded.

MP John Smith: Taken up the case

However, Sandra and Brian Perkins from Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan have refused the offer, saying they will continue their fight to have the rules altered.

The Perkins were ordered to pay back the money by the Department of Work and Pensions because their adopted daughter Naomi spends four days a month away from home.

Fostered and then adopted by the Perkins as a baby, 16-year-old Naomi suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

She needs constant care and attention and the only respite the Perkins have is the time she spends away at a special hostel in Barry.

The authorities have demanded that because of the time Naomi spends away from her home, the invalidity allowance paid to her should be cut.

They also want £2,000 for 10 years of pro rata benefits already paid out.

After her story was featured on BBC Wales Today a month ago an anonymous viewer intervened, offering to pay the fine.

But the Perkins, who are supported in their case by the Vale of Glamorgan MP, John Smith, have declined the offer, saying it is the principle which is at stake.

Mr Smith is taking up Naomi's case with the social services minister at Westminster.

Mr and Mrs Perkins say there must be a number of other families in a similar position.

Sandra Perkins:'Illogical system'

"I couldn't believe a system could be so cruel, frankly, and so illogical," Mrs Perkins said when the family's plight was revealed last month.

"We're not asking for a great deal, I don't think. I was devastated when I heard," she added.

The family say the system is confusing - and they just cannot afford to repay the benefits they have claimed in good faith over the last decade.

The Department of Work and Pensions has refused to comment on the case.

But it has revealed there is an appeals process.