Ministers face calls to explain how £6bn Send funding hole will be paid for

The education secretary says the Send changes are intended to benefit children and parents, rather than being aimed at saving money. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA

Ministers are to reduce the rising cost of funding special educational needs provision through their overhaul of the system, as they faced calls to explain how a £6bn funding hole would be paid for.

The government is under pressure to clarify how it will pay for special educational needs and disabilities (Send) spending in England, which is rapidly increasing, after Rachel Reeves said in the budget that she would take over full responsibility for the costs from local councils from 2028.