UK Government Delays Special Needs Education Reforms Until 2026 Amid Funding Crisis

The UK Government has delayed its planned reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system, pushing the Schools White Paper release to 2026 to allow for further co-design and testing of proposals. This postponement has drawn strong criticism from local leaders like Somerset Council's Cllr Bill Revans and campaigners, who warn that the current SEND system is in crisis with rising demand for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and growing financial deficits projected to reach £6 billion by March next year. Concerns have been raised by families and councils that delays prolong the wait for essential support, and that reform is urgently needed to address the system's sustainability and increasing complexity of needs. The Government has committed to extensive consultations with families, teachers, and experts, but there is apprehension about potential reductions in EHCP protections, which are currently the legal guarantee of support for SEND children. A recent report by the Institute for Public Policy Research recommends creating a new statutory category of additional learning support in schools while retaining EHCPs for children with the most complex needs, aiming for a reformed system that better meets demand without stripping legal safeguards. Despite the delay, stakeholders emphasize the necessity for root and branch reform to avoid further overspending and deterioration of services for families reliant on SEND support.