Government to delay SEND reforms: CCN response

Today the government has confirmed that it is to delay setting out reforms to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services until ‘early’ in 2026. Proposals were expected this Autumn.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed the delay in a letter to the chair of the Education Select Committee, Helen Hayes.

Below, the County Councils Network responds to today’s announcement.

Cllr Bill Revans, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Spokesperson for the County Councils Network, said:

“The present special educational needs and disabilities system is in crisis. The number of young people receiving Education, Health and Care Plans is rising faster than ever before and the cost of that support is increasing massively. Councils are on course to amass £6bn in deficits by March next year, whilst families are waiting ever longer for the support their children desperately need.

“Time is of the essence - so this delay is massively disappointing. We need comprehensive changes that will make the system sustainable and address the dramatic rise in costs we have seen over the last decade.

“Anything other than root and branch reform will place councils in a vicious cycle over overspending and worsening services for families.”