Chris uncovers routine lawbreaking by Surrey County Council on SEND

I have uncovered routine lawbreaking by Surrey County Council - ignoring Court Directions 38 times in eleven weeks in legal proceedings concerning vulnerable children- wrecking children’s lives. Reported today by the BBC. If an individual or a private company did this they would be prosecuted. Public authorities should be accountable like everyone else.

The Education Secretary has done a deep dive into Surrey County Council on alleged misconduct on SEND after I urged her to intervene. 

During the statement on the School’s White Paper, she said the government will “absolutely hold local authorities accountable for delivery”. I wrote to her today asking if she will apply this standard to Surrey in light of the news that they routinely law break at the expense of vulnerable children. This commitment should be shown by removing SEND responsibilities from Surrey to protect children.