Councils in England warn of mass bankruptcies as Send deficits soar

Local authorities say a 5bn shortfall in special needs funding could leave dozens effectively insolvent within months

Council leaders in England have warned that a multibillion pound deficit from years of overspending on special educational needs has become a burning platform" that will push scores of councils into bankruptcy within months.

They say time is running out to resolve rapidly growing shortfalls and are concerned the government gave no indication in Wednesday's spending review how it will deal with Send debts, which are expected to exceed 5bn by next March.