“No Requirement” For Bristol Safety Valve Secrecy Court Hears

Secrecy Around Application Was Unnecessary, High Court Hears

Bristol’s Safety Valve application has been mired in controversy since it was quickly pushed through Cabinet as a late agenda item last year.

One of the claims made by Bristol City Council at the time was that the Department for Education had insisted on confidentiality. When it finally came out, it left families with children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Send) reeling.

The Safety Valve programme has proved controversial since its first inception by the former Government. This is because it has become synonymous with local authorities making cut backs to Send provision. This is in exchange for money to reduce huge deficits on Dedicated Schools Grant budgets.

Last week, a judicial review against Bristol City Council for its lack of consultation on its Safety Valve Agreement (SVA) with the Department for Education (DfE) was finally heard by High Court Judge, the Honourable Mr Justice Linden. The hearing took place at Bristol Civil Justice Centre, opening on Tuesday 28 January 2025.

The court heard that Bristol’s Safety Valve Agreement did not have to be kept confidential.

Barrister Steve Broach KC, representing a Bristol family, told the court there was “no requirement for confidentiality.”

Joanne Clement KC defending Bristol City Council Due did not address the confidentiality issues. Due to time restrictions places around the hearing, Clement said “she didn’t want to waste more time on confidentiality.”

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