David Taylor MP secures biggest increase in SEND funding anywhere in England
Hertfordshire will receive the biggest year-on-year increase in SEND funding anywhere in England, after a sustained campaign led by David Taylor MP to secure fairer funding for local children and families.
An additional £6 million has been secured for High Needs provision, taking total funding to £17 million. This a significant step forward for a county that was previously ranked 148th out of 150 for SEND funding.
Since being elected, David Taylor MP has worked closely with families across Hemel Hempstead, listening to their experiences and raising concerns directly with Ministers. Backed by the Hemel SEND Report and in coordination with fellow Hertfordshire Labour MPs, he has pushed for urgent reform and investment.
This record increase will help expand local provision, reduce the need for children to travel long distances, and ensure more pupils with SEND can access the right support closer to home.
David Taylor MP said:
“For too long, Hertfordshire was one of the worst-funded areas in the country for SEND, and families across Hemel Hempstead were paying the price.
Since being elected, I’ve heard directly from parents who felt let down by a system that simply wasn’t funded to meet their children’s needs. I took the Hemel SEND Report, with families voices front and centre, straight to the Secretary of State and Ministers, working with fellow Hertfordshire Labour MPs to push for change.
Securing the biggest year-on-year increase in SEND funding anywhere in England is a huge step forward. This £6 million boost, taking total funding to £17 million, will mean better support, more local places, and a fairer system for children and families across Hemel Hempstead.”
Schools Minister, Georgia Gould said:
“Just last month, we set out once-in-a-generation SEND reforms we’re now acting quickly to deliver the changes that make sure more children can thrive at their local school, with their friends.
“Inclusion is a choice, one this government is proud to make, and the funding we’re backing councils with today will help make it a reality.
“Every school can, and will, have a bespoke environment that children with SEND – and their families - can rely on, ultimately rebuilding trust in the system and transforming outcomes for young people”
The funding forms part of Labour’s wider programme of SEND reform, aimed at ending the postcode lottery in support and restoring confidence among parents by delivering more inclusive, high-quality education in local communities.