Analysis by the Policy Exchange thinktank reveals that spending on special educational needs and disabilities (Send) in England's wealthiest councils has risen by 65% in real terms since 2018–19, compared to just 51% in the most deprived areas. Total local authority Send spending increased by over £5bn (58.5%) in the same period.
Two former Labour education secretaries, Ruth Kelly and Estelle Morris, have called for urgent reform. Kelly described the spending patterns as 'inequitable' and urged the government to restore 'sanity and certainty' to the system. Morris noted that the increased expenditure in areas of least deprivation adds to the evidence for radical change.
The report, titled 'From Rates to Ruin: the Ongoing Crisis in Local Authority Send Spending', was published as the government finalises its schools white paper. Ministers have pledged to clear about £5bn of local authority Send debt, warning that without intervention, 90% of councils could face effective bankruptcy by 2028.
Policy Exchange research fellow Zachary Marsh linked higher spending in affluent areas to rising applications for education, health and care plans (EHCPs). He stated that 'nine out of the top 10 councils with the highest number of EHCP applications last year were in the 50% most affluent areas,' emphasising the need for early support accessible to all.
Jane Harris of the Disabled Children's Partnership highlighted that half of parents of disabled children reduce work hours due to lack of support, pushing families in deprived areas into poverty. A Department for Education spokesperson said the forthcoming white paper will 'build a more inclusive education system' and 'end the postcode lottery once and for all'.
