Northamptonshire group fears councils will squander school special needs money
It's despite £1bn of funding being announced in the budget
A Northamptonshire group of parents says new funding for facilities for children with special educational needs and disabilities isn't likely to address issues.
West Northants SEND Action Group met local members of Parliament in Westminster only last month over their concerns.
It was announced a billion pounds would go towards spending in these areas in last week's budget.
Lauren Bunting founded West Northants SEND Action Group in response to problems locally relating to SPEND provision back in 2022.
She told us more about her fears:
"It's not in any way ringfenced, so on the surface the amount sounds amazing.
"That said, however, giving local councils their discretion as to how it's spent probably won't work.
"The money will most likely plug gaps in finances and existing spending, or being squandered.
"Our local MPs have listened, but I feel the problem is with those at the top who are not listening to what's being said.
"Money on its own isn't the answer. We do need investment, but you can't hand money to organisations to do the right thing when we see they can't be trusted."