Nearly 20 councils in England ‘at risk of insolvency’ due to Send costs

Nearly 20 councils have warned publicly that they are at risk of insolvency because of multibillion-pound debts caused by years of overspends on special educational needs support, the Guardian can reveal.Overspending on special educational needs and disability (Send) services in England is forecast to grow by nearly £2bn over the next 12 months, a Guardian investigation shows.Councils will see mounting special educational needs and disabilities (Send) deficits rise by 54% on average, with some anticipating accrued debts to increase by millions of pounds every month as they struggle to cope with soaring demand.Map showing the state of Send spending in EnglandThe deficits – currently totalling £3.4bn – will hit £5.2bn in 12 months. At least 18 councils have warned explicitly that the debts put them at risk of insolvency unless the government intervenes, with council estimates suggesting even more could go bust.“The deficits are pushing councils all over England to the financial brink. Th...