Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

SEND Provision: Local Authorities

03 March 2026 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Chris Coghlan Lib Dem Dorking and Horley

Children & Families

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chris Coghlan raised concerns about send provision: local authorities in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Chris Coghlan highlighted that local authority SEND provision is underfunded, leading to harmful practices and reduced support for children.
  • Caroline Nokes announced a 3.7 billion investment to create specialist SEND places across the country.
  • The Government will ensure local authorities publish action plans and learn from tribunal judgments to improve transparency and accountability.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Chris Coghlan Lib Dem Dorking and Horley

Chris Coghlan welcomed aspects of the SEND White Paper but highlighted that local authority SEND provision is underfunded, leading to harmful practices and reduced support for children. He presented three personal stories of avoidable child suicides due to local authority failures and called for an urgent review of the Government’s plans which are cutting children’s rights. Coghlan emphasised the need for increased accountability and transparency in the system to ensure that children receive the support they are legally entitled to.

Other contributors (1)
  • Georgia Gould Lab Coventry North West

    Georgia Gould thanked Chris Coghlan for his powerful speech and offered to meet the families of the children mentioned. She highlighted the Government’s plans to invest £1.6 billion directly into schools and £1.8 billion into a new 'experts at hand' service, aiming to provide more support and rights for families.

Government Response

Caroline Nokes

Caroline Nokes responded to the debate, acknowledging the serious concerns raised. She announced £3.7 billion investment to create specialist SEND places across the country and introduced new layers of support within schools, making support available earlier. The Government will ensure that local authorities learn from tribunal judgments and publish action plans, improving transparency and accountability. Nokes invited further consultation from parents and communities, promising to work with MPs to address the issues raised, aiming for systemic change to benefit families with SEND children.

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