Cuts to spending on children with special educational needs branded ‘disaster’ by former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett

FORMER Home Secretary David Blunkett has blasted Government plans to slash spending on children with special educational needs.

He attacked proposals to cut funding for education, health and care plans by 20 per cent.

Lord Blunkett, who has been blind since birth, said: “It’s a disaster. A total disaster area.

“Parents already have to fight for EHCPs at a time when local authorities have had their budgets slashed and many academy trusts don’t have the resources or expertise to deal with the issue.

“This is a hidden cut as, while capital spending is increasing on building special schools, not all children with an EHCP attend them.

“Many are already in, or will go on to, mainstream education when they’re older and need these plans. The Government must do better.”

Disability rights campaigner and Loose Women TV presenter Sophie Morgan said: “This cut is disgusting.

“Why, why would anyone do that and take away help for children?”

The Sun has been running its Give It Back campaign to stop funding cuts.

The department claims there is nothing in its plans for special needs services that encourages councils to reduce EHCPs.