Reform Send system now or face billions in extra costs, ministers warned

Government warned of billions in extra costs if Send system is not reformed, as 220,000 more children may need EHCPs by 2029. Current spending on Send support has risen significantly in the last decade, with projections suggesting an additional £3bn/year cost by 2029 without reform. Calls for wiping out councils' Send debts and focusing on early intervention and mainstream education to address rising Send costs.