(UK) Devon: Predicted $119M overspend in SPED;

Sept 12, 2026, Projected £88m special needs overspend highlights bailout urgency | Mid Devon Advertiser

A PREDICTED overspend of £88 million [$119M]  just this year in Devon’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) service highlights the urgency of anticipated national reforms, it has been claimed

Devon’s cabinet heard its SEND service would once again overspend as demand from families continues to rise and the costs escalate.

The SEND service helps ensure children with the likes of learning difficulties or physical disabilities can access education.

But the average annual cost of an education, health and care plan – or EHCP as it is known – which is often required for children to get the support they need, has jumped to more than £19,900 [$27,000] in July from just over £17,000 [$23,000] in March this year.