Councils warn of a £5bn funding gap in special educational needs support by 2026, urging government reform.

Councils warn that the government must urgently reform the failing system for supporting children with special educational needs due to rising costs, not leading to better outcomes for pupils. The sector faces a £5bn funding black hole by 2026, with councils projected to spend £12bn on support, three times more than a decade ago. A major study by the Local Government Association and County Councils Network found the current arrangements are not working for pupils, families, or authorities.