The National Audit Office's report reveals a disconcerting reality: despite a 58% increase in funding for the high-needs block over the last decade, local authorities are facing deficits that could exceed £4 billion. This raises urgent questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the fiscal management of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. In particular, the report highlights that 43% of councils may soon confront bankruptcy, revealing a systemic failure to translate increased funding into improved outcomes for vulnerable children.
'Austerity often turns out to be very, very expensive' is a stark reminder that cutting costs in the short term can lead to significant long-term financial burdens, particularly in sectors like education and social care. The current focus on fiscal tightening, while well-intentioned, could exacerbate the current SEND crisis, where families find themselves in a constant struggle for adequate support while local councils grapple with unsustainable financial pressures.
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