Labour is preparing substantial reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system in English schools, addressing growing financial crises among councils that face multi-million pound deficits. Many councils forecast severe budget shortfalls, prompting calls for legislative changes aimed at controlling costs associated with Send, particularly concerning parental rights and tribunal powers. A white paper detailing proposed reforms is expected to be unveiled in late spring, which could restructure the funding system and address the long-term financial challenges facing local authorities.
The government is preparing a white paper to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system in response to overwhelming deficits faced by councils.
Ministers are considering changes to Send legislation to alleviate council deficits, alongside reforms to prioritize state school provision over costly private needs schools.
Local authorities are lobbying for law changes aimed at controlling Send costs, seeking to limit parental rights to appeal and reduce tribunal powers in assessments.
The projected £5 billion deficit in Send budgets, hitting council balance sheets by 2026, poses a serious risk of insolvency for over 60 councils.
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