A proposal on protecting SEND support for local children has been voted down by councillors.
The motion called on the council to support reforms only if EHCPs remain the main legally enforceable route to help, while also making clear that any SEND changes should not restrict statutory services for children and families.
It also urged the Government to protect therapeutic support for adopted and care experienced children, and to make sure financial pressures do not limit children’s rights to the help they need.
Councillor Joe Salmon, who introduced the motion at the full council meeting on 24 March, said it meant the council would “stand with residents” and safeguard the rights of children with special educational needs.
But several councillors said they shared the concerns while opposing the motion because the national reforms are still under consultation. Councillor Richard Burton said “the system is broken” but warned the proposal could “tie the hands of officers”.
The motion was defeated by 27 votes to 10, with 7 abstentions. Afterward, Councillor Salmon said councillors had failed to “stand up for families” when it mattered.
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