Overview

• Government officials say future reforms may require more rigorous specialist evidence before issuing Education, Health and Care Plans to curb bureaucratic delays
• Ministers have repeatedly declined to guarantee that current EHCPs will remain legally enforceable under the proposed overhaul
• The Department for Education has allocated £740 million to expand early support services and create specialist places in mainstream settings
• Local authorities face a projected £6 billion high-needs budget deficit by March 2026, intensifying pressure for rapid SEND system reforms
• Backbench Labour MPs and campaigners warn that diluting EHCP rights could trigger a parliamentary rebellion and jeopardise vital support for thousands of children