Hertfordshire Constabulary is investigating claims officials at the county council are guilty of misconduct in public office because of how the authority handles assessments for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
The probe was triggered by a parent who alleges that the number of requests for assessment for EHCPs that are rejected is “not by accident”. He suggests it is a deliberate ploy to manage demand.
The parent – who has asked the police to investigate – says that the council’s statutory duty for EHC (education, health and care) provision should be needs and not resources-led.
The parent also claims the council has a statutory duty to come up with a plan within 20 weeks.
But he said he believes the council is, in effect, deliberately stopping parents from getting an assessment – and deliberately delaying the plans.
He claims he has asked the police to investigate whether this is a case of misconduct in public office.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “We can confirm that Hertfordshire Constabulary has received a report of alleged misconduct in a public office.
“Enquiries are underway and the investigation is in its early stages.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the county council has said the council is “fully cooperating” with the police investigation.
“Hertfordshire County Council is aware of the police investigation with which it is fully cooperating,” said the spokesperson.
“However, as with any ongoing police investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment.
“We recognise we need to improve SEND services and have a comprehensive plan in place which is independently monitored, including an additional ongoing £7m investment into statutory SEND services to recruit and train more staff, and are creating 1,000 new SEND school places between 2018 and 2026.
“We are committed to working in partnership with young people, parents, carers, the NHS and schools to ensure that all children with SEND and EHCPs in Hertfordshire receive the support they need and deserve amid unprecedented demand for these services.”