THE cost of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) is once again set to be discussed in Thurrock's Council chamber.

Earlier this month Nub News reported on a Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny committee where concerns about EHCPs was raised.

More than 1,100 additional children and young people in Thurrock are expected to require the plans within the next three years, as the council faces a growing special educational needs funding crisis. EHCPs set out the education, health and care support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are entitled to receive.

The topic returns to councillors' attention at the Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday (22 October) when a report forecasts the number of EHCPs in the borough will rise from 2,791 this year to 3,970 by 2029, an increase of almost 1,200 plans.

The sharp rise in demand is expected to place further pressure on council finances, with officers warning the cost of providing SEND support is rising significantly faster than the funding available.

According to the report, spending on SEND services is forecast to exceed government funding by £10.3 million in 2026/27.

If current trends continue, the funding gap could increase to £42.5 million by 2028/29.

Council officers say the growing deficit is being driven both by the increasing number of EHCPs and by the complexity of needs among children and young people requiring specialist support.

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The figures come just weeks after councillors heard concern over delays in the EHCP process.

A recent meeting was told that 71 per cent of the 282 EHCPs issued between January and September this year missed the statutory deadline of 20 weeks.

In response, councillors have been told the authority's SEND reform programme aims to improve performance, with a target of issuing half of all EHCPs within the legal timescale by March 2027.

Cllr Milena Bingley, Thurrock Council's cabinet member for education, skills and children's services, previously said the improvement plan was focused on speeding up assessments and delivering better outcomes for families.

The latest report says officers are continuing to work with the schools forum and education partners to manage rising demand.

Work is also underway to assess whether more SEND provision can be delivered locally, reducing the need for expensive independent and out-of-area placements.