Spending on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support for children has seen a rapid and substantial increase, placing significant financial pressure on local authorities across England. New analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) reveals that the number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has risen by 50% since 2015, leading to a 60% increase in local council spending on SEND since the 2018-19 financial year.
The IFS report highlights that this surge in demand and expenditure has pushed nearly half of all local authorities into deficit on their High Needs Block budgets, which are specifically allocated for SEND provision. This growing deficit underscores a systemic issue where the rising needs of children requiring support are outstripping the available funding, despite increased government investment in the sector.
While the government has responded with additional funding, including a 28% real-terms increase in the High Needs Block budget since 2019-20, the IFS suggests that this has not been enough to keep pace with the escalating demand. The analysis points to factors such as increased identification of SEND, a rise in parental appeals for EHCPs, and a shortage of specialist provision as key drivers behind the soaring costs.
The financial implications for local councils are severe, often requiring them to divert funds from other essential services or borrow to cover the SEND budget shortfall. This unsustainable trend raises concerns about the long-term viability of current SEND funding models and the potential impact on the quality and accessibility of support for children who need it most.
The Labour Party has previously criticised the government's handling of SEND funding, arguing that years of underinvestment have created a crisis. Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, has called for a more comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of the rising demand and ensure that all children receive the support they require.
The government maintains its commitment to improving SEND provision, citing the significant increases in funding and ongoing reforms aimed at creating a more inclusive education system. However, the IFS report suggests that further policy interventions and a fundamental review of funding mechanisms may be necessary to alleviate the acute financial pressures on local authorities and ensure sustainable support for children with SEND.