MP warns of ‘vast evidence of law breaking’ by councils over special needs education

Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan has urged ministers to rethink proposed special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms, saying they risk weakening children’s legal protections while councils fail to provide support required by law. Campaigners have launched a database for families to record cases in which they have reported councils to police, adding pressure on the Government as it develops its reforms.

Coghlan said he had previously given ministers 1,200 family testimonies involving 134 local authorities, including 200 cases concerning avoidable child suicides, but that the Government had not acted. The reforms have been delayed until next year, with around £4bn in proposed extra funding uncertain. A survey of 1,265 people in families affected by SEND mental health issues found 53 per cent would prioritise the issue when voting; the article also highlights the narrow majorities of Labour MPs Wes Streeting and Jake Richards in seats with many children holding Education, Health and Care Plans.