Disparities in Special Educational Needs Funding in England

A recent report by the Policy Exchange thinktank highlights significant disparities in spending on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across England. The analysis reveals that local authority spending on SEND has increased by over £5 billion in real terms from 2018 to 2025, marking a 58.5% rise. However, this increase has disproportionately benefited affluent councils, with spending in the wealthiest 50% of areas rising by 65%, compared to a 51% increase in the most deprived regions. The report, titled *From Rates to Ruin: the Ongoing Crisis in Local Authority SEND Spending*, emphasizes the troubling correlation between SEND needs and deprivation.

The Guardian

Former Labour education secretaries Ruth Kelly and Estelle Morris have called for urgent reforms to the SEND system. Kelly noted that the current funding model places an unsustainable burden on local authorities, particularly in deprived areas where SEND needs are often higher. She stated, “Restoring sanity and certainty to the system is the only way to secure the long-term future of SEND provision in England.” Morris echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for radical change to address the inequitable spending patterns.

The Guardian

In response to the findings, the UK government has announced plans to allocate approximately £5 billion to alleviate 90% of local authority SEND debt by April 2026. This intervention aims to prevent a financial crisis that could lead to 90% of councils facing bankruptcy by 2028. Zachary Marsh, a research fellow at Policy Exchange, expressed support for the government's decision to tackle the SEND funding crisis, stating it would relieve pressure on local councils.

The Guardian

Critics have pointed out that the rise in SEND spending in affluent areas is closely linked to an increase in applications for education, health, and care plans (EHCPs). Data indicates that last year, nine out of the ten councils with the highest EHCP applications were among the wealthiest. Jane Harris, vice-chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership, highlighted the impact of inadequate support on families, stating, “Half of parents have to give up work or reduce their hours because of lack of support for their disabled child.” This situation exacerbates poverty and crisis in disadvantaged areas.

The Guardian

A spokesperson for the Department for Education affirmed the government's commitment to reforming the SEND system, describing it as a "once in a generation opportunity." The upcoming schools white paper is expected to outline strategies for creating a more inclusive education system that delivers timely support and addresses the existing disparities in funding.

The Guardian

• “Endorsing the report, Ruth Kelly, who was education secretary 2004–06, said: “Dramatic spending increases on Send have placed an unsustainable burden on local authorities, at a time where they are struggling to afford the services on which we all rely.” — Ruth Kelly, Former Education Secretary

The Guardian

• “Every child should have the chance to learn in a setting that is safe and where staff know how to teach them.” — Jane Harris, Vice-Chair of the Disabled Children’s Partnership

The Guardian

• “ A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We are determined to seize this once in a generation opportunity to reform a broken Send system and transform life chances for children with additional needs.” — Department for Education Spokesperson

The Guardian

This report underscores the urgent need for equitable funding in SEND services to ensure that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, receive the support they need.

The Guardian