Contact responds to allegations that some local authorities are obstructing SEND support for children and young people

2 mins read

Monday 6 July 2026

Many of you will have seen the deeply troubling allegations reported by ITV News last week, in which a whistleblower described practices within a local authority that allegedly delayed or obstructed children and young people with SEND from accessing the support they need.

These allegations must be fully and independently investigated. They echo concerns that families share with us every day on our helpline and in our community services about lengthy delays, inconsistent decision-making and continuous battles to secure the support their children are legally entitled to. 

Local authorities must ensure their decision-making is transparent, lawful and centred on the needs and rights of children and young people.  These allegations also reinforce why the planned SEND reforms will only work if they strengthen and not weaken support, accountability and families confidence in the system. Families deserve a system they can trust – one that works with them, not against them.

  • If you need advice about routes to challenge local authority decisions, including complaints and lodging appeals to the SEND Tribunal, please call Contact’s Helpline on 0808 808 3555.