Lib Dems set out plans to stop SEND services being 'cash cows'
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) have proposed designating Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services in England as critical national infrastructure to prevent private investors from exploiting vulnerable children for profit. This move aims to address growing concerns over the rising costs of SEND support, which has surged in recent years, while private companies increasingly acquire schools and services. The Lib Dems argue that their plan would give the government greater authority to review acquisitions of SEND providers, ensuring deals align with public interest.
Currently, critical national infrastructure status is reserved for essential services like energy and transport. Under the Lib Dems' proposals, acquisitions of SEND providers would undergo public interest tests under the Enterprise Act. This would enable the government to scrutinize mergers and acquisitions, allowing the secretary of state to intervene if a deal threatens public welfare. The party's leader, Sir Ed Davey, emphasized that no parent should see their child's education suffer for private profit, advocating for taxpayer money to be directed toward frontline services rather than offshore investors.
The government has already outlined reforms, including new national standards and pricing bands for independent providers, with reports suggesting a potential annual cap of £60,000. This would prevent schools from charging excessively high fees, currently averaging £63,000 per child annually in independent special schools—more than twice the cost of state-run institutions. Over 30% of these schools are funded by private equity firms, raising concerns about prioritizing profit over children's needs.
The government plans to unveil its reform strategy as early as next week, potentially including reassessing children's entitlement to support after primary school and when transitioning from secondary to further education from 2029. However, this could reduce the number of children legally entitled to support, drawing criticism from campaigners who fear it would erode their rights. The government has committed to clearing £5 billion in council debts and taking over SEND funding responsibilities from 2028.
This issue matters deeply to readers interested in education, politics, and social welfare, as it highlights the tension between public service delivery and private profit motives. The debate over SEND services underscores broader concerns about equity, accountability, and the role of government versus market forces in ensuring access to quality education for all children.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026