Councils Predict £1bn Shortfall in Special Education Needs Funding

Councils in England are forecasting a nearly one billion pound shortfall in special needs budgets this year. Parents fear children could suffer as councils attempt to cut deficits. Since 2019, the accumulated deficit for Special Educational Needs or Disabilities has reached three point two billion pounds. Last year, almost six hundred thousand children in England had an Education Health and Care Plan. The financial pressures have led thirty-eight local authorities to enter bailout agreements with the government. None of the main political parties addressed the SEND budget shortfall directly in their manifestos.

Councils in England are forecasting a nearly £1bn shortfall in special needs budgets this year.

Out of 153 councils contacted, 113 responded to the BBC’s request for financial forecasts.

Parents fear children could suffer as councils attempt to cut deficits.

Since 2019, the accumulated deficit for Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) has reached £3.2bn, according to the County Council Network.

Demand for SEND services is rising, with councils struggling to meet needs with current funding.

Last year, almost 600,000 children in England had an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and there was a 26% increase in new plans issued.

Councils reported a collective deficit of £586m for the last financial year and forecast a £926m shortfall for this year.

The financial pressures have led 38 local authorities to enter bailout agreements with the government.

These 'safety valve' deals provide extra funding in exchange for agreements to cut SEND deficits, causing concern among parent groups.

The Independent Provider of Special Education Advice, a charity, found that some councils in the safety valve program might be reducing EHCP issuance to cut costs.

The council with the biggest shortfall relative to its funding, Cheshire East, had a £56m budget but spent £88m on SEND last year.

Under current agreements, this deficit is added to a 'negative reserve,' creating future financial burdens.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies noted that since 2015, meeting SEND needs has absorbed around half the cash increase in school spending in England, approximately £3.5bn.

The National Association of Headteachers has called for any new government to write off these accumulated deficits.

None of the main political parties addressed the SEND budget shortfall directly in their manifestos.

The Conservatives promised 15 more special schools, while Labour pledged to increase early intervention and support in mainstream schools.

The Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Reform UK did not mention SEND.