Chair of the Education Committee MP has responded
to the announcement
today that the Statutory Override on local authorities'
overspends on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
will be extended by two years to 2028.
The Chair said:
“This announcement will bring certainty to local authorities
across the country in the short term, for whom SEND has become
one of the biggest financial pressures and who will be already
planning for the coming financial year.
“Ministers will know that this is only a temporary fix until the
Government brings forward desperately needed, long-term reforms
to the SEND system. The Government should not delay a permanent
resolution to local authorities' long term SEND deficits beyond
2028 and it must work to devise a solution that helps councils to
achieve long term financial sustainability and does not damage
their finances further.
“We await the white paper on SEND that is now expected to be
published later this year, and I strongly encourage the
Government to engage meaningfully with parents and carers,
professionals and voluntary sector organisations as it develops
these important reforms.
“The Education Committee will question the Schools Minister on 1
July for the final evidence session of our inquiry into solving
the SEND crisis.”
Read more about the Committee's inquiry here.
