A recent report by Policy Exchange highlights significant disparities in funding for special educational needs and disabilities (Send) across England, revealing that funding has increased more substantially in wealthier councils compared to their deprived counterparts. Between 2018-19 and 2024-25, total local authority spending on Send rose by over £5 billion, translating to a 58.5% increase over six years. However, the wealthiest councils saw a 65% increase in Send funding, while the most deprived areas experienced only a 51% increase.

Former Labour education secretaries, responding to this alarming trend, have called on the government to take urgent action to rectify the inequalities in the educational system. They note that the rising funding disparity is problematic particularly because the evidence strongly correlates Send needs with socio-economic deprivation. Without intervention, these differences in funding could result in long-term educational disadvantages for children in deprived areas, undermining their opportunities for success.

The findings come at a critical time as the UK government prepares to announce its proposals for overhauling the Send system. The report, entitled 'From Rates to Ruin: the Ongoing Crisis in Local Authority Send Spending,' raises concerns about the effectiveness and appropriateness of the current funding mechanisms, suggesting that reform is necessary to ensure that all children receive the support they need, regardless of their local authority's wealth.