Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Spencer and Sarah Sackman

Tuesday 16th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con)]

T3. My team and I support many families navigating the special educational needs and disabilities system, and one of the challenges is delays in getting access to tribunal justice. As the Secretary of State gets to grips with his new role, will he make shortening those delays one of his priorities, and can he update the House accordingly?

[Sarah Sackman]

The hon. Member raises a very important point. We know that the success rate of appeals is high and the delays are severe in the SEND tribunal, which has a huge impact on children and families. We are close to the maximum number of sitting days across all our jurisdictions, to bear down on those delays, but I will certainly take his point on board as we look to reform the SEND system.