A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has revealed severe failings in the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, leaving families without adequate support and pushing nearly half of England’s councils towards potential financial collapse within 15 months. The committee has called for immediate government action to address the disparities in SEND provision and prevent a generation of vulnerable children from being left behind.
The report highlights vast differences in waiting times for Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) across the country, with only 50% issued within the required 20 weeks in 2023. It also notes a sharp rise in parents appealing SEND decisions, with tribunals overwhelmingly ruling in favour of families, reflecting systemic inefficiencies. The PAC has urged the Department for Education to investigate the causes of rising demand for SEND support, address inconsistencies in how needs are identified, and ensure sufficient resources are available for inclusive education.
The financial strain on local authorities is a key concern, with many councils accumulating significant deficits due to escalating SEND costs. The cumulative £4.6 billion shortfall in educational budgets poses a serious threat to the viability of local government finances. The PAC has demanded the government outline plans to address these deficits by March 2025 to avoid further disruption to SEND services.
Committee Chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown criticised the lack of urgency in addressing the crisis, describing the situation as an emergency that has been ignored for too long. He stressed that families and councils are being let down by a failing system, calling for decisive action to deliver meaningful reform and ensure children receive the support they need.
