Council bosses have welcomed plans for new laws for the education of children with special educational needs but has warned that changes in Government funding for schools will leave pupils with fewer support services.

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Bill, announced in the Queen's Speech on Wednesday aims to strengthen the rights to mainstream education for special needs children where appropriate.

It includes a duty on local education authorities (LEAs) to offer a parent-partnership service to offer support, advice and an initial point of contact for parents of SEN pupils

There will also be new conciliation powers to resolve disputes between parents and LEAs to avoid lengthy and costly legal proceedings

LEAs and schools will also be obliged to improve the disabled access of school buildings.

The Local Government Association is calling for Government assurances that the new duties placed on local authorities will be properly funded and not lead to more paperwork.

Councillor Graham Lane, LGA education chair, said: "This is an important bill. But DfEE plans for up to 90 per cent of funding to be delegated to schools may mean such vital LEA services as SEN support cannot be properly funded and co-ordinated.

"We ask the Government to fund this increased provision of mainstream education for SEN pupils and ensure the new powers and duties don't mean more red tape."