Helen Maguire

Helen Maguire

Liberal Democrat — Epsom and Ewell

Speaking in the House of Commons on 17 March 2025

Debate

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Contribution

In Surrey alone, spending on private special educational needs schools has risen from £48 million in 2018-19 to £74 million in 2021-22. These schools are often backed by private equity firms, and they are charging local authorities extortionate fees—on average double those in the state sector. They are draining public funds, but councils have no choice but to place children in these schools due to a lack of state provision. Does my hon. Friend agree that extending the profit cap to independent schools is essential to protect public finances and ensure fairer funding for children with special educational needs?

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