Councils in England warn of mass bankruptcies as Send deficits soar

English council leaders are sounding the alarm over a multi-billion pound deficit in special educational needs (SEND) funding, warning that many councils may face bankruptcy shortly. As deficits are expected to surpass £5 billion by next March, concerns have deepened following the government's lack of a clear strategy during the recent spending review. A significant rise in children needing special needs support has contributed to this crisis, compounded by increasing tribunal cases against councils. Upcoming measures in a schools white paper are anticipated to modify eligibility requirements for SEND support, though councils fear these changes may not mitigate the growing financial burdens in time.

The Department for Education must take urgent action to address the escalating deficit issue, as many councils face impending insolvency due to unmanageable SEND debts.

If there is no government intervention, the SEND funding crisis could endanger council services, leaving vulnerable children without the necessary support they require.

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