High Court hears of mothers’ plight over budget cuts

FAMILIES OF children with special educational needs are fighting a High Court battle against council cuts of more than £21m.

Five children, whose mothers are bringing the case on their behalf, are challenging Surrey County Council’s decision to reduce its Schools and Special Educational Needs (SSEN) budget.

They said the council made the decision without consulting families and are asking two High Court judges to find the budget cut was “unlawful”.

Sarah Jones, 40, is bringing the case on behalf of her four-yearold son Kyffin Carpenter, who has a neuro-muscular disorder and communicates mostly through sign language.

She said: “I think there’s a real strength of feeling among families in Surrey about the need for them to actually improve their provision for children with special educational needs. So when we heard that they were actually planning to make savings of £21m, that provoked a strong reaction amongst lots of families.”

Alicia McColl, 44, whose 14-year-old son Kian Hollow is another of the claimants, with a range of needs including autistic spectrum disorder, said children would suffer if crucial support was withdrawn.

Both women said they and two other mothers – Debbie Butler and Catriona Ferris – were bringing the case on behalf of families across the UK who were facing difficulties because of cuts to support budgets.

Jenni Richards QC, representing the families, told the court their statements revealed the importance of support they receive.

Jonathan Moffett QC, for the council, said the claimants’ case ignored the fact that the savings identified “were not set in stone”.

The case is being heard by Lady Justice Sharp and Mrs Justice McGowan, who are expected to reserve their ruling to a later date.