Reading Socialist Party
The Lib Dem council in Wokingham claims it is “committed to improving the lives and young people with special educational needs”.
The council is going along with Labour government plans to remove the legal rights of children currently enshrined in ‘Education, Health and Care Plans’ (EHCPs), and the linked funding, replaced with new ‘Individual Health Plans (IHPs), which lack any legal protection or the funding to go with it. This is a cut to education provision and the needs of our children.
Parents already face persistent objection of Wokingham Council to provide the EHCPs needed, spending over £250,000 on challenging parent demands in tribunals. Essentially paying to argue with parents, instead of using that money to fund needs-based education.
These attacks stem from Tory and Labour government cuts to local council funding. We call on councillors to link up with parents, education staff, and their trade unions to fight for the restoration of government funding, so we can ensure the needs of all are met. Don’t pass on cuts to our children.
Wokingham Council has over £90 million of our money in reserves. These emergency funds should be used alongside the councils borrowing powers to ensure SEND (special education needs and disability) provision is protected and improved, while building a campaign with other local authorities to demand government funding to meet the needs of all.
This is an emergency, and should be treated as such.
Join the protest – Thursday 30 July, 6.30pm, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1BN
