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SEND Provision: Local Authorities
03 March 2026
Lead MP
Chris Coghlan
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSStandards & EthicsChildren & FamiliesLocal Government
Other Contributors: 1
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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 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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