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Written question asked by Lord Pickles (Conservative) on Monday, 20 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 August 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Friday, 31 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Special Educational Needs: Costs

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the additional cost to local authorities in England arising from increased demand for provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Answer

High needs funding for children and young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is continuing at an increased level of over £12 billion in the 2026/27 financial year, following an increase of 11% in 2025/26.

To reverse the trend of late intervention and escalation of needs, the department is providing £4 billion over the next three years, including:

  • The Inclusive Mainstream Fund, providing £1.6 billion for schools, colleges and early years settings to prepare and deliver improved inclusive practice.
  • £1.8 billion for local authorities to work in partnership with integrated care boards to develop and deliver a new ‘Experts at Hand’ offer, providing a new route to expert advice and support for mainstream settings from education and health professionals.

Furthermore, in 2026/27, local authorities with a SEND deficit will be eligible for a High Needs Stability Grant covering 90% of their dedicated schools grant deficit accrued up to 2025/26.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2347
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Costs Special educational needs
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk