A SKIPTON MP raised concerns about special education needs funding in Parliament.

During Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQ) last week, Skipton and Ripon MP, Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith, raised the issue of funding for children with special educational needs in North Yorkshire.

He highlighted the challenges faced by local schools and families in securing the necessary resources and support for vulnerable children.

Mr Smith asked: "Mr Speaker, special education needs budgets in North Yorkshire and across the UK are under huge pressure.

"Could I ask the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, as they prepare for the Budget, could they look carefully at how increased funding and changes to the funding formula could make a massive difference thousands of lives of children across the country?”

In response, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: “I am grateful to the honourable member for raising this issue which is of real concern across the country to many parents who are concerned about the provision and I do agree that children with special educational needs and disabilities are being failed with parents struggling to get their children the support that they need and deserve and we have to change that.

“And I am determined to raise standards for every child so they succeed in education.”