Is the government doing enough to support council provision for children with special needs and disabilities?

Council leaders are warning that the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system in England is nearing “total collapse,” with deficits expected to reach £4.4bn a year by 2029.

Rising demand for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and expensive specialist placements are straining local authority budgets.

Families say the current system is a “battle,” often requiring legal action to access support.

While the government says it’s listening and plans reforms, critics argue delays, lack of funding, and uncertainty over the future of EHCPs are leaving children and parents without the support they urgently need.

Do you think the government is doing enough to support council provision for children with special needs and disabilities?