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UK Government Unveils £4 Billion SEND Plan Amid Rising Costs

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UK Government says Labour's special needs reforms will not cut rising SEND costs until 2035.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (UK Government) unveiled a £4 billion funding plan for the SEND sector.
About 640,000 pupils have education, health, and care packages (EHCPs), more than doubling since 2014.
Stricter eligibility system for EHCPs will be implemented in 2030.
By 2030, all schools must deliver digital inclusion support plans for SEND pupils.

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Story summary

The UK Government says Labour's special needs reforms will not cut rising SEND costs until 2035.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (UK Government) unveiled a £4 billion funding plan for the SEND sector.
About 640,000 pupils have education, health, and care packages (EHCPs), more than doubling since 2014.
Stricter eligibility system for EHCPs will be implemented in 2030.
By 2030, all schools must deliver digital inclusion support plans for SEND pupils.