Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
Councils are grappling with significant financial pressures and surging demand for Education, Health and Care Plans.
Councils are currently grappling with significant financial pressures in their Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services, which include Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) that outline support for children. Wandsworth Council's children's services budget, totalling over £100 million, is overspending, while Richmond's SEND provision faces a projected £10.6 million deficit this year. Lewisham Council also projects a £6.5 million General Fund overspend for 2026/27, partly due to increased school transport expenses.
In response to surging demand for EHCPs and specialist provision, councils are expanding capacity. Brent Council approved plans in September 2026 to expand Phoenix Arch Special School by 50 places from September 2027. Ealing Council also approved new Specialist Resourced Provisions at two schools in July 2026, adding 66 places from September 2027. Havering Council is addressing a backlog in EHCPs due to a psychologist shortage, with an AI solution planned.
The timeliness of EHCP issuance is also under scrutiny, with a local councillor questioning Havering Council's performance in September 2026. Looking ahead, Redbridge Schools Forum is scheduled to discuss EHCPs on 1 October 2026. In July 2026, Islington Council approved a joint procurement strategy with Camden Council for disabled children's short breaks, valued at £13.6 million for Islington, to enhance services and access.
Key facts
- Wandsworth Council's children's services budget totals over £100 million and is currently overspending. Source
- Richmond's SEND provision is projected to face a £10.6 million deficit this year. Source
- Lewisham Council projects a £6.5 million overspend on its General Fund for 2026/27, partly due to school transport costs. Source
- Brent Council approved expanding Phoenix Arch Special School by 50 places from September 2027. Source
- Ealing Council approved new Specialist Resourced Provisions at two schools, adding 66 places from September 2027. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.