Children's services £15m over budget

Elaine Davis-Kimble campaigns for better provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities

Children’s services in Devon are in major financial trouble having overspent this year.

A government bailout of £95m was announced in March which was supposed to "put the authority on a sustainable financial footing".

In a report due to be discussed later it has emerged Devon County Council has already overspent by almost £15m in six months.

Campaigners say the service is not being properly funded and it is children and families who end up paying the price.

The council said it was facing increased demand for education, health and care plans for children and the cost of supplying services was increasing.

Elaine Davis-Kimble from campaign group Devon SEND Parents and Carers for Change, said: "Councils are being forced to cut education, health and care plans and cram more and more young people with the most complex needs into mainstream schools."