Urgent warning issued over 'billions of extra pounds' in costs for SEND supportCouncils face billions of extra pounds in costs for special educational needs and disabilities provision by 2029 if urgent reforms are not carried out, a think-tank has warnedView 2 Images The Institute for Fiscal Studies highlighted a 'rapid rise' in high needs spending (Image: Getty Images/Image Source)Councils face billions of extra pounds in costs for special educational needs and disabilities provision by 2029 if urgent reforms are not carried out, a leading think-tank has warned. ‌The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) highlighted a “rapid rise” in high needs spending, with costs having shot up by 66% in schools since 2016. High needs spending in schools is also expected to grow by a further £3billion by 2029. ‌Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is drawing up plans to overhaul the crisis-hit SEND system in a white paper this autumn. Cllr Amanda Hopgood, chair of the Local Government Association’s Children, Young People and Families Committee, said: “There is no doubt the current SEND system is not working and is not meeting the support needs of children and families.