Tory and Lib Dem MPs slam council over Send decisions

'FAMILIES ARE AT RISK OF NOT GETTING THE REAL HELP THEY NEED'

- By EMILY DALTON

SURREY MPs have slammed the council for apparently closing down discussions on constituents’ Send (special educational needs and disabilities) cases.

Both the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have written separate letters to Surrey County Council criticising its decision.

It comes after MPs were advised last week that Surrey County Council “will no longer provide a response to individual cases where a more appropriate alternative route is available”. A council spokesperson said the most suitable route for parents wanting to challenge a decision is by formal appeal.

Posting on X, Zoe Franklin, Lib Dem MP for Guildford, said: “This latest correspondence is further proof of the council’s contempt for children with Send requirements across our county.”

Lincoln Jopp, Conservative MP for Spelthorne, wrote on Facebook: “It is deeply troubling that Cllr [Clare] Curran has written to all Surrey MPs seeking to restrict the level of engagement Surrey County Council will have with us on Send matters. This decision risks families not getting the real help they need.”