Published on Tuesday 25 November 2025
On the eve of the Chancellor’s 2025 Autumn Budget, the Leader of BCP Council has warned government of the unsustainable pressure placed on councils by the continued delays in resolving the funding of SEND services.
Cllr Millie Earl has written to Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education and Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, warning them that the council faces a £183 million hole in its finances due to debt built up to pay for its SEND services.
In her letter, Cllr Earl makes clear that the continued lack of government intervention to address this growing deficit is not just a local issue, but a national crisis that is forcing councils to make impossible financial decisions.
Details of how the government intends to reform the SEND system were due to be set out in a Schools White Paper in the autumn. The Education Minister has since stated that this will now be delayed until the New Year.
Cllr Earl writes: “The consequences of these decisions are going to be devasting – not just for councils, but for all communities and for the futures of thousands of children, young people and families.
“We have heard promise after promise of a national solution, but we are yet to see any proposals or plans.
“We understand the government inherited this complex challenge - which stems from the result of deep-rooted, systemic failings in how SEND provision is funded and supported nationally - but understanding is not enough. We need urgent action.”
Cllr Earl’s letter follows a recent report from the County Councils Network (CCN) which found that in March 2025, the debt accrued by councils for SEND services – money that has already been spent but is being kept off budget books via the ‘statutory override’ – stood at £4bn.
The CCN argues that inaction from the government is “letting down thousands of young people whilst pushing councils to the financial brink’”
In her letter, Cllr Earl adds: “We need a system that meets everyone’s needs backed up by a funding model that accurately reflects the true cost of delivering inclusive education for all.
“We need a national system that holds all stakeholders to account – not just the local authority.
“We are calling for meaningful collaboration with local authorities to reform the SEND system so that it is fit for purpose and capable of meeting the needs of every child and young person.”
The letter requests an urgent opportunity to meet with the Minister and obtain reassurance that any forthcoming proposal will provide solutions for BCP Council.
A copy of the letter can be viewed here.