A 'SEND emergency' could be declared at Warwickshire County Council next week if members vote through a motion tabled by the new council leader.

Cllr George Finch has proposed the declaration be made to recognise the "need to prioritise children with SEND".

The motion - due to be discussed next Tuesday (23 September) - says the current financial situation "cannot continue forever" and states the council is working to combat the "spiralling costs" of special needs services.

If backed, the Reform leader's call will establish the emergency, declare the government's approach to SEND funding is an "emergency for the sector which unjustly impacts Warwickshire" and call on the Secretary of State for Education to give answers on what the government will do to sort the problems.

"The current financial situation cannot continue forever and financially this council is actively considering ways in which we can more effectively control the spiralling cost of SEND provision whilst ensuring that we are meeting our legal obligations towards SEND children and families," the motion said. 

"As this is a national problem, we are also urging the government in Westminster to come to a timely decision about funding SEND in Warwickshire before the statutory override ends on 31 March 2028 and the financial burden overwhelms the otherwise secure financial position of the council."

Speaking at a press conference last month, Cllr Finch said the government does not provide enough support to local authorities and said SEND provision is one of the biggest problems he wants to tackle.