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UK councils warn of total SEND collapse
Special Educational Needs system in crisis
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Wednesday 26th November 2025 |
Council leaders in England are warning that the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system faces "total collapse" due to unsustainable financial pressures.
The County Councils Network (CCN) projects deficits will reach £4.4bn by 2029, driven by soaring demand for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and an over-reliance on costly specialist placements.
The number of active EHCPs rose 10.8% last year.
The government has delayed its planned SEND reforms, facing political pressure over the future of EHCPs.
While councils, including Somerset's, urge the government to write off deficits and reform the plans to target the "most in need", families and campaigners oppose any dilution of these vital legal protections.
Parents detailed expensive, year-long legal battles to secure support, describing the current process as a "fight" that affected their mental health.
Source: BBC News (UK)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9v127xp2r4o
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