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Written question asked by Lee Dillon (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what accountability mechanisms are in place in cases where a local authority is found to have delayed or cancelled access to statutory SEND provision.

Answer

The department publishes annual special educational needs data (SEN2) on education, health and care (EHC) plans and assessments, including timeliness. This informs performance monitoring and targeted support. Furthermore, joint Ofsted and Care Quality Commission Area special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) inspections provide an external evaluation of how effective local area partnerships, including the local authority, are at delivering SEND services for children and young people.

Where serious concerns arise, the department may intervene directly, using statutory powers and the deployment of SEND advisers and commissioners to ensure recovery and improve services for children and young people. This includes the consideration of installing a trust to take over the local authority’s responsibilities if they are found to be failing.

Parents and carers also have the right to contact the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman if they believe their child’s EHC Plan has been delayed, not been issued within the legal timeframe, or if the council fails to provide the specified provision.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18406
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Local government Standards Special educational needs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk