Worcestershire Liberal Democrats Secure £200k SEND Feasibility Study

Worcestershire's Liberal Democrats have secured a £200,000 feasibility study to explore whether existing council-owned buildings can be converted into much-needed SEND school provision.

At the Council meeting on 26th February 2026, the Liberal Democrat group tabled a budget amendment to fund the study. Following a detailed speech from Cllr Mel Allcott, the amendment passed by 32 votes to 23, with one abstention.

The study will assess whether suitable council properties could be repurposed into specialist education settings, helping to address rising demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across the county.

Speaking in the chamber, Cllr Allcott said:

“Across Worcestershire, we all know demand for SEND provision has risen significantly in recent years. Families are telling us the same story time and again — long waits, limited local specialist places, children travelling unacceptable distances, and parents forced to fight for support that should be straightforward.”

Drawing on her experience visiting local schools, she added:

“I’ve spent a lot of time in our Worcester schools — Fort Royal, Newbridge and Regency — and they are desperate for more support, more funding, more space and more capacity. Mainstream provision alone will not solve this. We need more specific specialist provision.”

Cllr Allcott was clear the proposal represents a responsible step rather than a premature capital commitment:

“This amendment is not about making a rash capital commitment. It is about taking a responsible, evidence-based step — conducting a feasibility study to look at existing county buildings and identify whether any are suitable to be converted into SEND provision.”

She also argued the investment would deliver long-term value:

“This will more than pay for itself. If it leads to a local SEND school, it could mean more children educated closer to home, reduced transport costs, greater stability for families and better outcomes through consistent specialist provision.”

In a pointed moment during the debate, Cllr Allcott reflected on a previous rejected proposal:

“Five years ago I put forward a budget amendment to support our children and it was voted down. I now urge councillors, regardless of political group, to support this amendment so we can take a measured, responsible step towards strengthening SEND provision in Worcestershire.”

Worcestershire Liberal Democrats said the vote demonstrates a commitment to tackling the SEND crisis through practical, deliverable solutions that prioritise children and families while ensuring value for money.

The group has pledged to work constructively with officers to ensure the feasibility study is progressed swiftly and that its findings lead to meaningful improvements in local SEND provision.

See Mel’s Statement to Council below: