Families threaten county with legal action over cuts to services for disabled children

Lawyers acting for families with disabled children have threatened Somerset County Council with a legal challenge over proposed cuts to services that would save £2m over the next two years.

Law firm Irwin Mitchel said it is challenging four aspects of the cuts, which were agreed in September:

• A plan to reduce the GetSet service;
• A plan to cease provision of support, resources and training to voluntary youth organisations, and to close the existing grant schemes;
• A plan to cut the home to school transport; and
• Plans that would reduce the amount of funding for special educational needs provision.

Irwin Mitchell claimed that the proposals were unlawful on several grounds, “including that the council failed to properly consult with those affected and has also not met its responsibilities in terms of education and promoting the welfare of children”.

James Betts, who is representing the families affected, said: “Our clients are understandably devastated by the council’s decision on these services and – perhaps most importantly – they feel they have been ignored through the entire process.

“We are hugely concerned by how the local authority has come to these conclusions and believe that the plans do not adhere to their legal obligations in relation to the welfare of children with special educational needs.”

Betts added: “Local government is undoubtedly facing a difficult time at present, but it is vital that absolute care is taken on decisions which relate to the future of vital services. We simply do not feel that has happened here.”

A spokesperson for Somerset County Council said: “We can confirm that the county council has received correspondence regarding recent decisions taken by its Cabinet Committee.

“It would not be appropriate to comment on legal matters at this stage, but we will of course consider the issues raised and respond appropriately.”

The spokesperson added: “This council has made a number of difficult decisions in recent months and this has involved considerable engagement, and consultation where appropriate. We have at all times followed our own policies and procedures and key decisions have been signed-off by our legal team and subject to a democratic vote.

“We, of course, have enormous sympathy and understanding for all those who do not support these.”