Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
Councils are currently focusing on improving EHCP process efficiency, addressing funding challenges, and investigating disproportionality in provision.
In September 2026, Kingston's People Committee deemed post-16 education provision sufficient for EHCP holders. Lewisham Council also doubled the speed of issuing notification letters for EHCP annual reviews since 2024, completing nearly 50% of 2026 reviews by September 2026 following an LGO investigation into parental complaints. Bexley's EHCP delivery within 20 weeks dipped in July 2026 but remained above London and national averages, with a January 2026 inspection noting progress in timeliness and quality.
Tower Hamlets Council is investigating the disproportionately high number of EHCPs issued to Bangladeshi children, as raised by Councillor Iqbal Hossain in September 2026, where 45.6% of children with EHCPs are from that background. Councillors there also expressed concerns that national SEND reforms, which could reimburse 90% of high needs block overspend, might be perceived as cost-cutting. Croydon's Children, Young People and Education Directorate is transforming due to rising EHCP demand and a structural deficit, reported in July 2026.
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are legal documents detailing the support provided to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, outlining their educational, health, and social care needs and the support required to meet them.
Key facts
- Kingston's People Committee deemed post-16 education provision sufficient for EHCP holders in September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council doubled the speed of issuing notification letters for EHCP annual reviews since 2024. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council is investigating that 45.6% of children with EHCPs are from a Bangladeshi background. Source
- Tower Hamlets councillors voiced concerns in September 2026 that national SEND reforms could be seen as cost-cutting. Source
- Bexley's EHCP delivery within 20 weeks was 68.6% in July 2026, above London and national averages. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.