Coffee House Shots SEND plans: 'cost-cutting or reform'?
Feb 23, 2026
Isabel Hardman, political journalist focused on public service reform and health and education policy, breaks down Labour’s proposed SEND overhaul. She explains why the system is seen as broken and costly. She outlines the key policy shifts, funding questions and political risks. Transport bills, reassessments and fears about tightened entitlements are highlighted as potential flashpoints.
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Labour's £4 Billion SEND Overhaul
- The SEND system is widely seen as broken and unsustainable, prompting a planned £4 billion overhaul by Bridget Phillipson.
- Reform creates two tiers: targeted support for mainstream pupils and specialist EHCPs for the most complex cases, with reassessments beginning in 2029.
Time Limited EHCPs And Reassessment Cliff Edges
- EHCPs will be reserved for children with the most complex needs and will be time-limited to the stage of education, triggering reassessment at transitions.
- Ministers plan reassessments from 2029, but have not committed to protecting existing EHCP holders from losing plans.
Soaring SEND Transport Bills
- Transport costs for SEND pupils are rising sharply and are a major driver of future expenses, projected to hit around £3.4 billion by 2030.
- Councils warn this five-fold increase since 2015 is a major factor pushing many local authorities toward insolvency.