Responding to the Government’s announcement of £740 million capital investment in the SEND system to create more specialist places in mainstream schools, Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:

“To tackle the challenges within the SEND system, any reform must focus on boosting mainstream inclusion, and we are pleased government has set out steps towards this.

“However the rising number of Education, Health and Care Plans means councils are under ever increasing financial pressure, and so it is vital today’s announcement is followed up with urgent action to write off councils’ high needs deficits.

“Otherwise many councils will face a financial cliff-edge, and be faced with having to cut other services to balance budgets through no fault of their own, or their residents.”

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