UK MPs Warn of Special Needs Crisis

A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) warns that England's special educational needs (SEN) system is failing children, with the risk of creating a 'lost generation' of students unable to access necessary support. The PAC highlights significant disparities in access to education, health, and care (EHC) plans, with families facing a postcode lottery and long waiting times for assessments. Demand for SEN support has surged by 140% since 2015, putting financial strain on local councils, with nearly half at risk of bankruptcy within 15 months. The government has been criticized for its lack of urgency in addressing these issues and its failure to fully understand the rising demand. Although recent funding initiatives aim to improve access and create specialist facilities, the PAC insists that piecemeal efforts are insufficient for a sustainable solution. The committee calls for immediate action to reform the system and ensure equitable support for all families.