Rulebook · What a local authority letter includes

When the final plan is due (within 20 weeks of the request)

When the final plan is due (within 20 weeks of the request). The final plan is due within 20 weeks of the council receiving the request. A short list of exceptions can lift this limit, but the duty to act as soon as practicable remains.

Not required by law: good practice.

Part of the letter: Draft EHC plan and the notice sent with it.

Type of rule

Good practiceGood practice: helpful, not required by law.

Rule id

notice.draft_plan_notice.final_plan_timescale

Rules version

england-2026.10

Law as at

30 September 2026

Sources

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

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