Petition · Department for Education

Penalties for Local Authorities if their EHCP decision is overturned at Tribunal

Closed 3,562 signatures

What the petition asks

Many parents appeal to the SEND Tribunal, where Local Authority decisions are, in 98% of cases, overturned. We think this process denies SEN children access to appropriate education and costs the taxpayer millions.
We think this is a common experience.
Initial decisions of Local Authorities are upheld in only a tiny proportion of cases.
We think the lengthy process denies children access educational provision, costs the taxpayer close to £60 million annually, and is stressful for families.
We would like the Government to deter Local Authorities from forcing families to bring unnecessary appeals by applying financial penalties.

Timeline

25 Apr 2025 Petition opened for signatures
25 Oct 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 3,562
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 25 Apr 2025
Closed 25 Oct 2025

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 30 Jul 2026.