153 English councils anticipate a £1bn shortfall in special education needs (SEN) budgets, raising the accumulated deficit to £3.2bn since 2019.

153 English councils anticipate a £1bn shortfall in special education needs (SEN) budgets this year, raising the accumulated deficit to £3.2bn since 2019. The increasing demand for support and growing pressure on council budgets contribute to the funding gap. Almost 600,000 children and young people in England have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), obligating councils to meet their needs. Last year saw a 26% increase in new EHCP plans issued. The Association of School and College Leaders warns that the SEN system is on the verge of collapse due to insufficient government investment to match the growing demand.

June 18, 2024
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