Liberal Democrats Demand Legal Protections for Send System
The Liberal Democrats have launched a forceful campaign to grant legal protections to the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) sector, accusing private equity firms of exploiting vulnerable children as "cash cows." Party leader Sir Ed Davey has called for Send to be designated as critical national infrastructure, a status currently reserved for essential services like healthcare, energy, transport, defence, and water supply.
Criticism of Current System
Sir Ed Davey, whose 18-year-old son John has severe disabilities, has spoken out against what he describes as a "broken system." He stated, "Taxpayers’ money is being spent lining the pockets of private firms" rather than funding frontline services for children. The Lib Dems argue that the current setup fails to prioritise the very children it is designed to support, while private Send providers reportedly generate record profits and drain council budgets.
Proposed Reforms and Protections
The party's proposals include several key measures:
- Introducing new legal protections to ensure public funds are directed towards children's services instead of offshore investors.
- Subjecting Send acquisitions to public interest tests under the Enterprise Act, enabling the Secretary of State to intervene when necessary.
- Making it significantly more difficult for foreign companies to purchase Send schools for profit-driven purposes.
These reforms come amid government considerations to reassess children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) upon completing primary school. The forthcoming Schools White Paper is expected to introduce Individual Support Plans (ISPs) with legal standing for all children with Send.
Political and Public Response
Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrats' education spokesperson, labelled the situation a "scandal," emphasising that Send provision should be treated as essential national infrastructure. She argued this would ensure children's education is prioritised and prevent public money from being funnelled to offshore companies. Sir Ed Davey added, "No parent wants to see their child’s education suffer while private equity firms cash in on a broken system. We cannot allow this rigged racket to drag on any longer. Our children and parents deserve better."
The party's push highlights growing concerns over local authorities spending substantial amounts on private providers, diverting funds away from direct support. The Lib Dems contend that designating Send as critical infrastructure would safeguard against such practices and improve outcomes for vulnerable children across the country.
