Councils face millions in extra Send costs as overhaul delayed

High-needs deficits kept off council books for two more years in England, but some say it prolongs financial pain

Cash-strapped councils in England will be hit with hundreds of millions of pounds in extra costs after the government delayed tackling the 5bn deficits spent supporting children and young people with special needs and disabilities.

Council leaders and experts said the two-year delay prolongs the financial struggles faced by local authorities as they await the government's overhaul of special educational needs and disabilities (Send) provision, and warned it could force more councils into sell-offs and insolvency.