17/09/2026
“Devon’s cabinet heard its SEND service would once again overspend as demand from families continues to rise and the costs escalate.”
We all know the reality. It’s inaccurate wording that misleads those that have no experience of SEND.
Families are only asking for the correct support and settings for their child.
Instead SENDIST appeals solicitors are outsourced averaging thousands a month for a service that fails to engage in statutory duties of appeals, resulting in LA being barred.
Devon’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) service is facing a massive £88 million overspend this year as the average cost of supporting a disabled child soars.
Devon's cabinet heard the SEND service will overspend once again as demand from local families continues to rise. The service helps ensure children with learning difficulties or physical disabilities get access to education.
Yet the average annual cost of an education, health and care plan jumped to more than £19,900 in July from just over £17,000 in March. A major reason for the high costs is students being placed in specialized SEND schools.
This has prompted a push locally and nationally to get more children into mainstream schools instead. The government previously confirmed it would pay off 90 per cent of SEND deficits accumulated up to March 2026.
But that leaves the expected £88 million overspend for this current financial year hanging in the balance.
A report prepared for the cabinet warned that if ministers do not step in, up to £79.3 million of pressure could fall directly on the council.
Officials said that would mean draining available financial reserves and taking other mitigating actions.
Devon has submitted its reform plan to the Department for Education to secure over £191 million in funding, but it is still waiting for official approval.
If no government help arrives for this financial year, the council's £42 million SEND reserve will be completely wiped out by the overspend.
Critics say the root cause goes back to a 2014 decision to extend SEND support up to age 25 without providing extra funding on the ground.
