Somerset Council has expressed strong disappointment over the government’s postponement of key reforms to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) education. The Labour government had committed to releasing the Schools White Paper by autumn, detailing crucial changes to education funding, including enhanced provision for SEND children.
However, on October 22, the Department for Education (DfE) announced that the White Paper would be delayed until 2026 to allow further consultation and refinement of proposals. Council leader Bill Revans condemned the delay, emphasizing that Somerset families are forced to wait even longer for the essential support their children urgently require.
This announcement follows recent protests outside County Hall in Taunton led by the Somerset SEND Army, where parents and council members urged authorities to prioritize the welfare of SEND children rather than budget constraints. Speaking on October 23, Revans, a former teacher, described the current SEND system as being in crisis. He highlighted the sharp increase in young people needing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and soaring associated costs, with councils projected to face £6 billion in deficits by March next year.
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“Families are waiting longer for desperately needed support,” said Revans. “We require comprehensive reforms to create a sustainable system and address the financial strain. Partial fixes will only trap councils in a cycle of overspending and diminishing services.”
The demand for SEND resources has long outpaced government funding, leaving Somerset with a predicted Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit exceeding £100 million by the fiscal year’s end. The council recently approved a DSG deficit reduction plan, while the DfE extended the statutory override for two more years, deferring official recognition of the deficit until March 2028. Without early reform or such overrides, the council risks insolvency.
Councillor Heather Shearer, responsible for children, families, and education, echoed these concerns after attending the October 13 protest. She stated, “This is a national crisis. We support Somerset SEND families who feel unheard by Westminster. Despite various improvements, children are arriving in crisis. Urgent legislative reform is essential to meet the growing complexity of needs within our communities.”