Special educational needs cuts 'short-sighted'

A campaign group has called the cuts "ludicrous" but the council said it did not affect the delivery of projects

Cuts to a council's special educational needs and disabilities (Send) budget have been criticised for being "short-sighted" and "bizarre".

Worcestershire County Council has plans to cut £3m from its Send and social care capital budgets to clamp down on borrowing.

Conservative councillor Seb James said: "It's bizarre. It's so nonchalant. There has been no consultation - that really bugs me. There has been no survey."

But Dr Stephen Foster, cabinet member for education and Send at the Reform UK-led council, said the budget reduction did not affect the delivery of current projects.

He said: "Worcestershire County Council remains fully committed to delivering its three-year capital programme for the development of Send provision.

"The recent budget reduction does not impact the delivery of any projects identified within this programme.

"An annual sufficiency review of provision will continue to provide an assessment for cabinet to ensure the programme remains aligned with need and is sustainable for future years."

James argued: "Reform was elected on a pledge to represent the average person but they keep cutting things to balance the books, while not cutting other wastage.

"They have cut a secondary school off the cuff and Send provision but not anything else - such as the lunch served at full council meetings which they could just cut as a cabinet decision, but haven't."

'So many ongoing issues'

Tracy Winchester, SEND National Crisis Worcestershire, a campaign group run by the families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), said: "It seems so short-sighted.

"They've acknowledged they haven't got enough specialist settings and are struggling for places."

She added there were "so many ongoing issues" for families.

"Things are never going to improve if you don't invest. This seems ludicrous and shows a lack of common sense."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.