(UK) Leicester County cut SPED support; demand is growing

Dec 2, 2018, Leicestershire Live: The devastating impact Leicestershire council cuts have had on this single mum and her disabled sons https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/devastating-impact-leicestershire-council-cuts-2279212 A single mum of three disabled children is in the process of lodging her third complaint in three weeks about county council services. Jackie Buick, who has three sons with complex and additional needs and a daughter studying for her A levels, said she has been left with no choice but to formally complain about Leicestershire County Council despite their support. She said: “I don’t want to complain about the people who have made a difference to my children’s lives but I feel I have no other choice.… Jackie’s three sons each have different needs and she says her family has been badly affected by the changes to care plans and personal health budgets as well as cuts to the special education needs transport budget…. “It’s coming from all angles and we’re just one family. … “The cuts are running too deep, services are collapsing and it’s not going to get better…. “And the people that are affected by all this are the most vulnerable and children.” In response to the issues raised by Jackie, a Leicestershire County Council spokesperson said: “We are sorry to hear of Ms Buick’s concerns. We take all complaints very seriously and will continue to work closely with the family to address the issues raised. “Due to significant financial pressures, we’ve had to review our special educational needs and home to school transport policies at a time where the demand for transport is growing….