Business of the House

Chris Bloore Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I never underestimate my hon. Friend when he says that he is fighting on his constituents’ behalf, because he is a fearless advocate for his constituents. I am grateful to him for raising these matters; he has raised them before, and they are now on record. He asked what more he can do; there will be DWP questions shortly, which will be another opportunity for him to raise his concerns.

[Chris Bloore (Redditch) (Lab)]

Worcestershire county council has repeatedly failed children and families with special educational needs and disabilities. Many parents report persistent failures to meet statutory duties and experiences of being dismissed or gaslit, causing prolonged distress to families already under extreme pressure. Against that background, will the Leader of the House permit a debate in Government time on the effectiveness of the powers available to intervene where local authorities are failing to meet their statutory SEND duties?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As we have said many times before, the SEND system is broken. It does not work for children or their parents. Our schools White Paper will deliver the reform that children desperately need and deserve. As that progresses, I am sure there will be many opportunities to debate these matters. On my hon. Friend’s constituency concern, an improvement notice was issued to Worcestershire county council in 2024, and the Department for Education continues to monitor progress. If he would like an update, he can make his case directly to the Minister at Education questions next Monday.