Deputy Mayor loses SEND brief in cabinet reshuffle, as Chris Kennedy joins the fray

Promoted: Chris Kennedy (left) with fellow Hackney Wick councillors Nick Sharman and Jess Webb. Photograph: Hackney Labour Party

Deputy Mayor Anntoinette Bramble is no longer in charge of funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) after a post-election cabinet reshuffle by Mayor Philip Glanville.

The SEND brief – which includes overseeing £5 million of cuts amid protests by parents and carers – will be given to Hackney Wick councillor Chris Kennedy, who joins the cabinet today as member for families, early years and play.

Deputy Mayor Bramble will remain the cabinet’s head of children’s services, with the new title of cabinet member for education, young people and children’s social care.

Reshuffled: Deputy Mayor Anntoinette Bramble. Photograph: Hackney Council

But Mayor Glanville has said Cllr Kennedy will be “leading on” SEND.

Announcing the cabinet changes in a statement, the mayor said: “I’m pleased to confirm the cabinet team who will support me in my first full term as Mayor of Hackney.

“I’m particularly pleased to welcome Cllr Kennedy to the cabinet.

“During his time as chair of the children and young people scrutiny commission, Chris demonstrated that he has the skills, knowledge and compassion that will bring great value to the team.”

Outcry: children protest SEND changes outside Hackney Town Hall. Photograph: Hackney Citizen

He added: “Among other things, he will be leading on our support and services for children and young people with special educational needs, ensuring we can dedicate even greater focus to this important issue, to both work with families, teachers and other stakeholders locally, and also to make sure, working alongside Deputy Mayor Bramble, Hackney’s voice is heard nationally, as we continue to fight for fairer funding.”

Changes to SEND funding provoked a large demonstration outside Hackney Town Hall by parents, carers and children in February.

The council dropped proposals for a new funding formula after public outcry late last year, but has confirmed that the £5 million cuts are going ahead.

The campaign group Hackney Special Education Crisis is seeking a judicial review against the cuts, which the council says are needed because of greater demand amid cuts to SEND funding grants from central government.