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'Do not boost SEND tribunal powers', council representatives urge

A proposed extension of the powers and jurisdiction of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Tribunals have been criticised by local government representatives.
Council leaders say measures will not fill a 'funding blackhole' for services. Picture: Adobe Stock
Education, health and council leaders believe that SEND tribunals are problematic, according to research. Picture: AdobeStock

“We have significant concerns around extending the powers and jurisdiction of the SEND Tribunal as a potential option to challenge and rectify decisions about disabled children’s social care,” states the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) and the Local Government Association (LGA), in a joint consultation response to the Law Commission review of disabled children’s social care.

The warning was among several issues raised as part of the consultation – which was due to end on 20 January but has been extended to the end of the month.

There are 84 consultation questions covering:

Outlining their key concerns, the ADCS and LGA refer to recent research for the LGA and the County Councils Network, which found that “education, health and council leaders believed that SEND ritbunals had a problematic effect on the operation of the SEND system”.

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