Watkins Solicitors Announces Court Date for Landmark Judicial Review Against Bristol City Council's Safety Valve Agreement

Watkins Solicitors Announces Court Date for Landmark Judicial Review Against Bristol City Council’s Safety Valve Agreement

Watkins Solicitors is preparing for the upcoming court hearing of its judicial review challenge against Bristol City Council’s Safety Valve Agreement. The case, which raises critical concerns about the potential impact on Special Educational Needs (SEN) services in the city, will be heard at Bristol High Court from 28–30 January 2025.

The judicial review, led by Watkins Solicitors’ expert Education Law team, challenges the council’s decision to enter into the agreement without consulting parents or assessing the long-term implications for children with SEN. At the heart of the case is the council's commitment to reduce deficits in their school budgets, in exchange for £33 million in funding from the government. Watkins Solicitors is arguing that the agreement risks creating further barriers to accessing essential SEN support, such as Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).

On 13 November 2024, the Court ordered that two additional claims — both challenging Safety Valve Agreements, including one by Devon County Council — be joined to the Bristol City Council case. The consolidated 2.5-day hearing will address all three challenges. Watkins Solicitors is representing claimants in the Bristol case and one of the Devon cases.

For many years, Watkins Solicitors has been a leading advocate for children and families navigating the SEN system. Their team has successfully helped numerous families secure appropriate school placements, challenge refusals of statutory assessments, and appeal against unlawful delays in the EHCP process.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Head of Marketing Monique Burroughes Watkins Solicitors at mburroughes@watkinssolicitors.co.uk.