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The high needs system for further education is not working and requires a radical shake-up, council and college leaders say today in a new report. The report, commissioned by the Local Government Association, the Association of Colleges and Natspec, the membership body for specialist colleges, highlights that the system is overly complicated, resulting in young people, their parents, councils and colleges facing challenges which have a detrimental impact on those students in further education with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It finds that key elements of the current

Cllr Simon Blackburn, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, responds to the Draft Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, announced in the Queen’s Speech.

“Councils are committed to ensuring adults of all ages have access to high quality care and support who need it, but rising costs and demand pressures mean incredibly difficult decisions are having to be made about this vital service."

“We support a public health approach to tackling serious violent crime, which has become an increasing priority for councils."

“Councils are uniquely placed to ensure communities benefit from the skills our country needs and maximise the opportunities of improving our skills and employment system."

“We are keen to work with government and the waste industry to consider the impact of this ban, which will lead to new costs for councils as it will restrict where they can send recyclable material."

National climate change expectations and air quality targets are unlikely to be met unless councils are given long-term funding, devolved powers and easier access to complex government funding pots.

“The Government’s announcement of an increase in schools budgets by £7.1 billion will help give certainty up to 2023, and an additional £780 million for council high needs budgets to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for next year is good news."

“It is encouraging that today’s Queen’s Speech has signalled a renewed energy in favour of English devolution."

“The newly announced retail discounts will provide support for high street businesses and pubs, but it is crucial that in line with normal government practice, councils are fully funded for this loss of extremely important income."