I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act regarding your council’s handling of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). Specifically, I request details for the last 12 months regarding the following:

1. What is the current size of your EHCP backlog (how many cases are outstanding)?
Please define backlog.

2. Do you use external writers or agencies to draft EHCP plans?
Not specifically to write / draft EHCPs. Current interim staff to cover permanent vacancies.

3. If so, how much have you spent on each in the last 12 months?
N/A

4. Which EHCP writing agencies do you use? How much do you pay the agency per plan to draft?
N/A

5. How many EHCPs have been delayed in the last 12 months that resulted in fines, and what is the total value of those fines?
WBC has not received any fines relating to EHCPs that were issued late.

6. What is the root cause of the current backlog (in the last 12 months)? Is it due to a lack of capacity to draft the plans, delays in collecting all required documentation, or another reason?
Staff turnover moving from interim staff to permanent staffing structure.