Councils in England warn of mass bankruptcies as Send deficits soar | Education

Council leaders in England have warned that a multi-billion pound deficit from years of overspending on special educational needs has become a “burning platform” that will push scores of councils into bankruptcy within months.

They say time is running out to resolve rapidly growing shortfalls and are concerned the government gave no indication in Wednesday’s spending review how it will deal with Send debts, which are expected to exceed £5bn by next March.

Official figures show a sharp rise in the number of children receiving special needs support in England, along with an increase in tribunal cases brought by parents challenging council refusals of Send provision for their children.

Ministers confirmed on Wednesday they will publish a schools white paper in the autumn containing…