Overview
- A Public Accounts Committee report published on 6 March says the government's SEND overhaul leaves unanswered questions on home‑to‑school transport and interim council deficits.
- Ministers will write off 90% of historic high‑needs deficits and move SEND budgets to central government from 2028, but the new arrangements exclude transport costs.
- Councils transported a record 206,000 children and young people with SEND last year at about £2 billion, with a £415 million transport overspend in 2023/24 after a 70% rise since 2015/16.
- Projections indicate transport spending could reach £3 billion to £3.4 billion by 2030, with county leaders warning of heavier rural pressures and an £11 billion funding gap.
- The DfE points to a new national data collection, a bespoke funding formula and route‑planning tools, while the OBR warns of ongoing uncertainty and possible short‑term cost increases before reforms take effect.