Council responds to fewer SEND cases from MPs

Surrey MPs say they are disappointed that Surrey County Council (SCC) has said it will respond to fewer special educational needs cases raised by constituents.

An email, seen by the BBC, tells the politicians that "the council will no longer provide a response to individual cases where a more appropriate alternative route is available".

Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs have written separate letters to the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Learning, Clare Curran, about the decision.

In a statement from SCC, Curran said the email was to "remind them that the current process" is through a "formal appeal".

The Liberal Democrat letter, which is signed by Guildford's Zoe Franklin, Dorking and Horley MP Chris Coghlan, Will Forster in Woking, Monica Harding in Esher and Walton, Helen Maguire in Epsom and Ewell and Al Pinkerton in Surrey Heath, has urged SCC to reconsider.

The letter also said that the goal of the MPs is to "improve outcomes" for constituents and "improve the systems and processes in place".

It adds: "The decision to sever communication between our offices and the council in this manner contradicts these principles and ultimately harms the very people we are all here to serve: the residents of Surrey."

The Conservative letter is from Runnymede and Weybridge MP, Dr Ben Spencer, Reigate's Rebecca Paul, Lincoln Jopp in Spelthorne, Greg Stafford in Farnham and Bordon, Claire Coutinho in East Surrey, Sir Jeremy Hunt in Godalming and Ash and Jack Rankin in Windsor, who represents people living in Virginia Water and Englefield Green.

It says that "limiting engagement with MPs who advocate for constituents in this way is likely to be concerning to the public".

It adds: "Should the decision stand, we would welcome further clarity on the scope of engagement you are proposing with MPs, in particular regarding whether responses will still be provided where constituents experience difficulty receiving timely communication from SCC."

Curran said the council values "strong relationships" with the MPs and that there are "clear channels of communication".

"The recent communication sent to all MPs was to remind them that the correct process for families who are dissatisfied with a final council decision is to challenge it by way of a formal appeal," she said.

"This is the appropriate and most effective route for families, and information on how to do this is always included when families are notified in writing of the council's decision."

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