A message from Nick Timothy MP:
Thank you to everyone who has completed my survey on the system of special educational needs provision. The Government’s sums on special needs education do not add up, with a £6 billion shortfall projected by 2028–29. The OBR says the money will come from the schools budget – a 4.9% cut. You can see me challenge the Education Secretary on this from the Opposition Despatch box by clicking here.
According to my survey, 85 per cent of local people think the Government should account for funding before implementing changes to the SEND system.You can see a summary of the results below.
There is still time to have your say. If you would like to give your views on this issue, please click here to take part in the survey.
Best wishes
- The question was as follows: “Do you believe the Government should be required to publicly account for how it will fund the new SEND system before implementing any reforms?” 85% said yes.
2. This question asked the following: “The Government says it will take on SEND costs from 2028, yet ministers refuse to explain where the money will come from – while the OBR warns this could mean a 4.9% cut to school budgets. Do you trust the Government’s claim that schools will not lose out?” 80% said no.
3. This question was as follows: “The SEND White Paper is now overdue, leaving schools, trusts and councils unable to plan. Do you believe the Government should be required to publish a fixed, non-negotiable deadline for delivering the White Paper so that the sector can prepare for the reforms?” 85.7% said yes.
4. The question was: “The Government is holding up the opening of 44 approved mainstream free schools and a number of approved special needs schools. Should the Government provide immediate clarity on whether these schools can open or not?” 82.5% said yes.
