Rachel Reeves’ 2025 Budget delivers £26bn in tax rises, freezes income tax thresholds until 2031, and introduces levies like the mansion tax and EV mileage charge. While billed as “fair,” it squeezes households, adds complexity for councils, and delays SEND relief. Local government faces rising demand, fragile funding, and political risk. Explore what this means for officers and members and the sector-led actions needed now.

Discover the true financial scale of England’s care and support services. This blog explores the rising costs of adult social care (£34.5bn), children’s social services, SEND provision (£10.5bn+), and temporary accommodation (£2.8bn). With over £50bn spent annually, we unpack what’s driving these pressures, the implications for local government, and why urgent reform is needed to protect vulnerable communities and ensure sustainable public service delivery.

SEND transport costs in England have surged to £2.3 billion, with councils struggling to meet rising demand. This blog explores the National Audit Office’s findings, real-life family experiences, and urgent reforms needed to make SEND school transport sustainable, inclusive, and fit for purpose. Featuring quotes from parents, council leaders, and sector experts, it highlights the human impact and policy solutions to support children with special educational needs.

Local government reorganisation isn’t the wrong idea it’s happening in the wrong order. Councils face financial collapse due to four broken systems: children’s social care, SEND, temporary accommodation, and adult social care. This blog argues that structural reform must follow service reform, not precede it. Fix the leaks before reshaping the bath. Discover why sustainability depends on repairing what’s draining local government dry.

Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council, shares bold insights on local power, SEND reform, and regeneration in The Truth About Local Government podcast. She champions grassroots democracy, town centre housing, and financial discipline amid a £180m SEND deficit. Earl’s leadership focuses on restoring trust, delivering value for residents, and creating inclusive communities through governance reform and strategic investment.

The SEND White Paper is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset a system that has failed too many for too long. It must be more than a policy refresh, it must be a bold, values-driven transformation. This is a call to act with courage, challenge outdated systems, and build a future where every child with SEND is supported to thrive. Let this be the moment we chose to be bold, to lead with purpose, and to deliver the change children and families both need and deserve.