Rulebook · What a local authority letter includes

The timescale: a decision on whether to issue a plan, and any final plan, within the legal time limits

The timescale: a decision on whether to issue a plan, and any final plan, within the legal time limits. If the council decides not to issue a plan, it must say so within 16 weeks of receiving the request. If it issues a plan, the final plan is due within 20 weeks of receiving the request.

Not required by law: good practice.

Part of the letter: Decision to carry out an EHC needs assessment.

Type of rule

Good practiceGood practice: helpful, not required by law.

Rule id

notice.decision_to_assess.timescale

Rules version

england-2026.10

Law as at

30 September 2026

Sources

• SEND Regulations 2014, reg 10(1)Law (Act or Regulations)
• SEND Regulations 2014, reg 13(2)Law (Act or Regulations)

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