Special Needs

The provision of school transport for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is proving to be an increasingly expensive problem for local authorities. Legally, councils must provide free transport for SEND children unable to walk to school.

At a time when councils generally are struggling financially, with some already, and others well on the way to becoming, bankrupt, the cost of SEND transport continues to rise. In 2018/19 the spending in England was £728. 2023-24 has seen a 95% rise to £1.4bn.

This reflects rapidly rising prices due to inflation along with a 40% increase in demand. The average cost per child in England is up by a third from £6,280 to £8,299. To ease the pressure on budgets, councils are having to consider reducing non-statutory service provision.

The socialist maxim, ‘from each according to ability, to each according to need’ is denied while capitalism persists. The needs of SEND children are undeniable, but as ever it is cost, and its implications, not actual need that is the determinant factor.

Government policy to reduce its own expenditure is to pass laws making local authorities liable, and then reduce funding as has been the case throughout austerity.

SEND children are not charity cases but growing individuals with their own abilities and specific needs. But, everyone has abilities and needs that will be subjected to rationing as long as money remains the determining factor.

Consider the socialist maxim, and what is required to realise a society in which it can be brought about. Then everyone’s needs can be met.

 

D. A.