English councils project significant increase in SEND support debts
The Guardian · October 12, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
Councils in England are forecasting that debts related to special educational needs and disability (SEND) support could reach £10 billion over the next 18 months. The increase is attributed to a surge in requests for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), despite recent government action to clear some historic debts.
Why it matters
This situation could impact public finances and the availability of support services for children with special educational needs.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are a parent of a child with special educational needs?
You may face delays or reduced availability of support services for your child as councils struggle with increasing debts. This could impact your child's access to necessary educational resources and support.
How does this story affect you if you work in local government?
You may experience increased pressure to manage budgets and resources as councils deal with rising SEND-related debts. This could lead to difficult decisions regarding funding allocations and support services.
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