Education

England’s councils face near £18 billion SEND debt crisis amid delayed reforms

Saturday, 15 November 2025 5:08AM UTC

Council leaders warn that England’s escalating special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support costs could push local authorities into insolvency, as delayed government reforms struggle to address soaring demand and costs.

Council leaders across England are sounding the alarm over the escalating financial crisis driven by special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support. Recent warnings indicate that councils are on track to accumulate staggering debts that could total nearly £18 billion within the next five years, with many local authorities now facing the very real risk of insolvency due to overspending on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The surge in demand for SEND support has caused the number of EHCPs to skyrocket to an unprecedented 638,000 this year, more than doubling since 2015 when there were around 240,000 plans in place. This jump has pushed councils into deep financial distress, with many forced to rely on costly private specialist school placements that have inflated spending. Currently, SEND deficits nationwide stand at about £4 billion but are projected to soar. For example, the County Councils Network (CCN) forecasts these debts could reach £17.8 billion by 2029, translating to nearly £1,000 worth of debt for every child and young person in England. Similarly, other data suggest accumulative debts could reach between £5.2 billion to £8 billion within the next couple of years, with several councils already issuing public warnings about their potential insolvency and bankruptcy if the situation remains unaddressed.

The financial strain is not confined to a few areas; large and rural councils are among the hardest hit, with some like Hampshire County Council projecting deficits exceeding £300 million in the near future. Analysts from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy estimate that up to 75 councils could be at risk of insolvency due to these ever-growing SEND debts.

The government’s response has been cautious and cautious reform attempts have faced criticism and delays. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson recently announced a delay in the publication of the anticipated Schools White Paper, which was expected to propose major reforms including reducing the number of costly EHCPs and promoting mainstream school provision for disabled children. Initially planned for release this year, this key policy document has been postponed until early 2026 to allow more extensive consultation with families, teachers, and experts. The delay follows the dismissal of the schools minister responsible for the reforms, Catherine McKinnell, raising further concerns over the pace and direction of government action.

Council leaders and advocacy groups are urging urgent government intervention to prevent what they describe as a system "heading towards total collapse." Matthew Hicks, Chair of the CCN, emphasised the time-sensitive nature of the crisis, warning that continued inaction will result in longer waits for families seeking support and catastrophic financial shortfalls for local authorities. Amanda Hopgood of the Local Government Association echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the current SEND system is failing many children and families due to inadequate funding and structural challenges.

While the Department for Education insists the government is committed to improving the SEND system, pointing to investments like £740 million for specialist places and better training for teachers, critics say these measures are insufficient against the backdrop of overwhelming demand and rising costs. The DfE spokesperson highlighted ongoing engagement through over 100 listening sessions with families, suggesting reforms will focus on enhancing inclusion in mainstream schools, but this approach has met resistance from parents’ groups concerned it could dilute children’s legal rights to tailored support.

Further complicating the landscape is the statutory override that has allowed councils to keep SEND deficits off their balance sheets temporarily. This arrangement, intended to provide breathing room, is set to end in March 2026. Without renewed government support or significant reform, the collective financial burden is expected to become unsustainable, risking the viability of essential SEND services and the financial stability of many councils.

The confluence of soaring demand, expensive placements, and delayed reforms constitutes a multifaceted challenge. According to the CCN and local government representatives, without decisive government intervention, both in terms of funding and legislative reform, councils face severe deficits that could lead not only to bankruptcies but also to a collapse in the SEND support system relied upon by thousands of vulnerable children across England.

📌 Reference Map:

^[1] Express.co.uk - Paragraphs 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
^[2] The Guardian - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3
^[3] The Guardian - Paragraphs 2, 4
^[4] IPSEA.org.uk - Paragraph 4
^[5] County Councils Network - Paragraphs 1, 3, 7
^[6] ITV.com - Paragraphs 1, 3, 5

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2134018/councils-fear-total-collapse-special - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/30/councils-england-insolvency-risk-send-costs - Nearly 20 councils in England have publicly warned of potential insolvency due to multibillion-pound debts from overspending on special educational needs (SEND) support. A Guardian investigation reveals that SEND deficits are projected to grow by nearly £2 billion over the next year, with councils anticipating accumulated debts to reach £5.2 billion. At least 18 councils have explicitly stated that these debts could lead to insolvency unless government intervention occurs. The deficits are primarily driven by a significant rise in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which have more than doubled from 240,000 in 2015 to 576,000 in 2024. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy estimates that as many as 75 councils are at risk of insolvency due to these escalating debts. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/30/councils-england-insolvency-risk-send-costs?utm_source=openai))
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/03/ministers-plan-major-changes-to-send-education-in-england - The UK government is preparing significant reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, as many councils face debts running into hundreds of millions of pounds, potentially leading to bankruptcy. A Guardian analysis found that at least 12 councils have forecast accumulated deficits exceeding £100 million, with Hampshire County Council projecting a £312 million deficit by March 2026. The government is considering changes to SEND legislation to ease these deficits and measures to prioritise state school provision over costly private specialist schools. However, parents' groups warn that diluting children's legal rights to SEND support could force more pupils out of mainstream education. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/mar/03/ministers-plan-major-changes-to-send-education-in-england?utm_source=openai))
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/news/government-delays-publication-of-schools-white-paper-on-send-reform-until-2026 - The UK government's Schools White Paper, which was expected to outline reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system, has been delayed until early 2026. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced the delay in a letter to the Education Select Committee, stating that a further period of co-creation is needed to test proposals with families, teachers, and experts. This postponement means families will have to wait longer for clarity on the government's planned SEND reforms. ([ipsea.org.uk](https://www.ipsea.org.uk/news/government-delays-publication-of-schools-white-paper-on-send-reform-until-2026?utm_source=openai))
https://www.countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk/councils-warn-of-financial-catastrophe-in-12-months-time-with-unmanageable-send-deficits-risking-bankruptcy/ - The County Councils Network (CCN) has warned that, without government intervention, £6 billion in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) deficits will be placed on councils' balance sheets by March 2026, potentially leading to financial catastrophe. These 'unmanageable' deficits have been growing rapidly due to soaring demand and costs for SEND services. Since 2020, councils have been allowed to keep these growing deficits off their balance sheets through a statutory override, but this is due to end in March 2026. The CCN represents England's largest councils and is urging the government to address this issue urgently to prevent potential bankruptcies. ([countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk](https://www.countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk/councils-warn-of-financial-catastrophe-in-12-months-time-with-unmanageable-send-deficits-risking-bankruptcy/?utm_source=openai))
https://www.itv.com/news/2024-10-20/councils-warn-send-deficits-mean-they-could-go-bankrupt-overnight - Research shared with ITV News and the Financial Times reveals that councils have amassed SEND deficits of £4 billion nationwide, with projections indicating this could balloon to £5.9 billion next year and £8 billion thereafter. The County Councils Network (CCN) states that the situation is now 'unmanageable,' with large and often rural councils bearing the largest deficits. This financial strain is attributed to a surge in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the high costs associated with private specialist schools. The CCN represents 38 councils, which collectively account for £2 billion of the total deficit. ([itv.com](https://www.itv.com/news/2024-10-20/councils-warn-send-deficits-mean-they-could-go-bankrupt-overnight?utm_source=openai))

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative highlights a significant financial crisis faced by councils in England due to escalating costs in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support. Similar reports have emerged over the past year, with projections of SEND deficits reaching £4.6 billion by March 2026. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/28/almost-half-of-englands-councils-could-face-bankruptcy-over-deficit?utm_source=openai)) The report also mentions a £17.8 billion deficit projection by 2029, aligning with previous forecasts. ([lbc.co.uk](https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/councils-send-deficits-finance-5HjdMqQ_2/?utm_source=openai)) The inclusion of recent data and projections suggests a moderate freshness score. However, the narrative's reliance on previously reported figures and projections indicates a degree of recycled content. The report appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a higher freshness score due to its timeliness. Nonetheless, the lack of new, exclusive information suggests a need for further scrutiny.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative includes direct quotes from council leaders and advocacy groups, such as Matthew Hicks of the County Councils Network and Amanda Hopgood of the Local Government Association. These quotes have been previously reported in other reputable outlets, indicating potential reuse of content. Variations in wording across different reports suggest paraphrasing rather than direct quoting. The absence of new, exclusive quotes raises questions about the originality of the content.

Source reliability

Score: 5

Notes: The narrative originates from Express.co.uk, a publication known for sensationalist reporting. This raises concerns about the reliability and credibility of the information presented. The reliance on a single, potentially biased source diminishes the overall trustworthiness of the report.

Plausability check

Score: 7

Notes: The claims regarding the financial crisis in SEND support are plausible and align with projections from reputable organizations, such as the National Audit Office and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/28/almost-half-of-englands-councils-could-face-bankruptcy-over-deficit?utm_source=openai)) However, the narrative's reliance on previously reported figures and projections, without presenting new, exclusive information, raises questions about its originality. The use of sensationalist language and the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets further diminish the credibility of the report.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents a plausible account of the financial challenges faced by councils in England due to SEND support costs. However, it relies heavily on recycled content from previous reports, lacks new, exclusive information, and originates from a source with questionable reliability. These factors collectively undermine the credibility and originality of the report, leading to a 'FAIL' assessment with medium confidence.

SEND support crisis
local government finance
education reform