Government urged to look at council's Send services

Surrey Heath's Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton was elected in July 2024

The government has been urged by an MP to investigate the way Surrey County Council provides special educational needs and disabilities (Send) services.

In the House of Commons on Monday, Surrey Heath's Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton said the authority had the highest number of tribunals in which parents challenged decisions in the country.

He asked the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson: "Will she do what so many parents ask me – can she please launch an immediate investigation into Surrey County Council and its conformance with its legal obligation?"

Phillipson said she would come back to the MP.

Lincoln Jopp, the Spelthorne MP, also asked if the government was looking at what was causing the rise in demand when it came to Send.

Phillipson said the education department was keen to "understand some of the drivers".

Jonathan Hulley, Surrey County Council cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, said providing support for children with additional needs was a "systemic issue that councils up and down the country are grappling with".

"Data shows that the EHCP [education, health and care plan] appeal rate has increased nationally over the last two years, reflecting the problems nationwide in the system," he said.

"We are working extremely hard here in Surrey to improve our services for children with additional needs and disabilities."

The council previously said it was investing £260m in Send services and increasing specialist places.