As I am sure you appreciate, as a Member of Parliament and not a member of Warwickshire County Council, I do not decide on the positions held by Councillors, but I do not endorse or agree with the comments, for which the Councillors concerned have rightly apologised. I understand the Council's Monitoring Officer is also investigating them, and that these Councillors will no longer sit on the relevant committee.
The increased demand for SEND support is a real phenomenon and a real challenge for the Council but, as some in the debate pointed out, it arises from a combination of increased prevalence of SEND needs and better recognition of them. I can say that I and my office spend a considerable amount of our time trying to assist parents and families to get the support they need and I will be meeting the Minister for Children this week to discuss the situation in Warwickshire.
