Delays to SEND reform could deepen hole in BCP Council's finances
The council leader has written to government ministers warning of £183 million hole in finances if delays in SEND reform continue
Last updated 26th Nov 2025
The leader of BCP Council has written to Government ministers calling for collaboration with local authorities to fix the SEND system and warns of the pressures placed on councils by continuing to delay reforms.
Following October’s cabinet meeting Councillor Millie Earl has written to Bridget Phillipson MP, secretary of state for education and Steve Reed MP, secretary of state for housing, communities and local Government.
The letter warns that councils across the country are “grappling with the spiralling crisis around the Dedicated Schools Grant”, and that BCP Council faces a £183.1 million hole in its finances due to debt built up to pay for its SEND services.
The letter acknowledges the cost of delivering SEND services outstrips the funding provided by central government and says it is “forcing us councils to make impossible financial decisions, and the consequences are going to be devasting – not just for councils, but for all communities and for the futures of thousands of children, young people and families”.
Details of how the government intends to reform the SEND system were due to be set out in a Schools White Paper in the autumn. However, in October the education minister has since stated that this will now be delayed until 2026.
Cllr Earl writes: “We have heard promise after promise of a national solution, but we are yet to see any proposals or plans.
“We understand the government inherited this complex challenge – which stems from the result of deep-rooted, systemic failings in how SEND provision is funded and supported nationally – but understanding is not enough. We need urgent action.”
A recent report from the County Councils Network (CCN) which found that in March 2025, that £4 billion had been spent by councils for SEND services but is kept off budget books due to the ‘statutory override’.
The letter is calling for collaboration between councils and government to fix the system, “We are calling for meaningful collaboration with local authorities to reform the SEND system so that it is fit for purpose and capable of meeting the needs of every child and young person.”
It requests an urgent opportunity to meet with the minister and obtain reassurance that any forthcoming proposal will provide solutions for BCP Council.
Councillor Mike Cox, deputy leader of BCP Council and cabinet member for finance, has said: “As a responsible council, we’re being open and transparent about the difficult decisions we need to make to manage our budget so that we live within our means, safeguard our most vulnerable residents and secure a sustainable financial future.
“We continue to make it very clear to our local MPs and ministers that an urgent and fundamental overhaul of the SEND system is needed. The unacceptable delay by the government to these critical reforms leaves our families concerned about the future of their children’s education and health care, and our residents wondering where the money to pay for this important service will come from.
“The budget this week is an opportunity for the chancellor to set out some urgent solutions and address this issue once and for all.”