CIPFA Social Care Policy Advisor, Dr William Burns, said:
“County Councils Network (CCN) with the Local Government Association and Isos Partnership released a report today which analyses the challenges in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. It is CIPFA’s view that the tenfold increase in the national SEND deficit of £3.2bn shows that the current SEND system is broken. Outcomes have not improved since landmark reforms in 2014, and local authorities are facing a financial cliff edge which puts all other council services at risk.
In particular, CIPFA notes multiple financial issues. These challenges include a shortfall of funding, ineffective distribution of funds, and the risk of widespread insolvency.
SEND is one of the most urgent short-term pressures that local authorities face. Far-reaching reform is now unavoidable.
The current approach is financially reckless and does not provide benefit to communities, families, councils or schools. CIPFA calls on the new government to act urgently to overhaul the system, address the shortfall in funding, change the system of ringfencing and produce an exit strategy on how local authority SEND deficits can be overcome. We must act now for the sustainability of councils and the well-being of families.”
Notes to editor