By Salma El-Sakka
Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan will use Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday to highlight the case of 13-year-old Eivie White and call on families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to report local councils to the police for alleged criminal misconduct.
Case of Eivie White
Eivie, from Maidstone in Kent, took her own life in March 2023 after a series of alleged failures by Kent County Council. Diagnosed with severe autism, ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, she was initially denied support, placed in isolation when bullied, and the council opposed a move to a specialist school despite a statutory education, health and care plan (EHCP). Her family says they never had a face-to-face meeting with her case officer.
Widespread Failures and Suicide Epidemic
Coghlan has gathered 1,253 testimonies from families across 134 councils, documenting 205 suicide attempts — 200 by children and five by parents. He warns of a "suicide epidemic" among SEND children let down by authorities and says the government has failed to act while planning to reduce legal protections.
Council Tactics and Legal Action
The MP alleges councils have "weaponised" the tribunal system to block parents from accessing support. He is now working with some families on potential criminal prosecutions and will raise Eivie's case directly with Andy Burnham during PMQs.
Family's Ordeal
Eivie's mother Shelley, a cleaner, described the trauma of remaining in the family home where her daughter died. The council initially refused a relocation request, forcing Eivie's sister to sleep in the same room for four months. Shelley said the daily commute past the former home remains "triggering" and the family still feels "very angry."
Campaigners Demand Accountability
Jenny Haines of the accountability group Measure What Matters said Eivie's story may be less exceptional than believed. She noted that when a child in care dies, councils must report to Ofsted and the Secretary of State, but no equivalent requirement exists for children with an EHCP, leaving no automatic scrutiny of whether legal duties were fulfilled.
Government Reforms and Council Response
In February 2026, the Labour government published SEND reform proposals with around £4 billion extra funding and expanded legal rights via Individual Support Plans. Campaigners fear the changes will not address systemic problems. Kent County Council said it deeply regrets any service shortfalls, noted improvements since a 2022 inspection, and remains committed to further progress.
