Cuts to spending on children with special educational needs branded ‘disaster’ by former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett

Former home secretary David Blunkett has strongly criticized the government’s plans to cut spending on children with special educational needs.

He attacked proposals to cut funding for education, health and care plans by 20 percent.

2

2

Lord Blunkett, who has been blind since birth, said: “It is a disaster. A total disaster area.

“Parents are already having to fight for EHCPs at a time when local authority budgets have been cut and many academy trusts do not have the resources or expertise to tackle the problem.

“This is a hidden cut because although investment in building special schools is increasing, not all children with an EHCP attend them.

“Many are already in mainstream education or will attend mainstream education later when they are older and need these plans. The government needs to do better.”

Sophie Morgan, disability rights campaigner and Loose Women TV presenter, said: “This cut is disgusting.

“Why, why would someone do that and take away help from children?”

The Sun has launched the Give It Back campaign to stop funding cuts.

The department claims there is nothing in its special education services plans that would encourage local authorities to reduce EHCPs.