BCP Council says it is carrying one hundred and eighty three million pounds of debt linked to special educational needs and disabilities services and has warned ministers that the situation is no longer sustainable.
Councillor Millie Earl has written to the government calling for urgent action, saying continued delays to national reforms are placing councils in a difficult position and affecting long-term planning for children and families.
She notes that the expected Schools White Paper has been pushed into the New Year, leaving councils without clarity at a time when pressure continues to rise. A recent County Councils Network report found four billion pounds of SEND debt across England, which it says is pushing many councils towards the financial brink.
Councillor Earl says a national solution must reflect the real cost of inclusive education and ensure all organisations involved are accountable. The council has asked ministers for an urgent meeting and reassurance that forthcoming proposals will offer workable support for the area.
In addition to the letter, Cllr 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.”
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