England's Children Falling Behind in Europe: What Parents Need to Know

England is receiving its first long-term public health investment in a decade, with a £224 million funding increase for 2025/26 and a separate £5 billion commitment to address Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services that support children with conditions like autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The government's multi-year funding package represents a major shift after years of short-term settlements that left local authorities struggling to plan effective health services.

What Does the New Public Health Funding Include?

Public health minister Ashley Dalton announced that the three-year funding package will give local authorities "the certainty they need to plan ahead" and ensure public health funding is "higher in real terms every year of this parliament than in 2024/25." The funding will be consolidated into a single, ring-fenced Public Health Grant from 2026 to "simplify the system, reduce bureaucracy and strengthen prevention services."

The announcement specifically mentions examples of prevention services that will benefit from this funding:

• Smoking Cessation Programs: Services designed to help people quit tobacco use and reduce smoking-related health impacts
• Drug and Alcohol Treatment: Comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support services
• Sexual Health Services: Programs focused on sexual health education, testing, and treatment

How Will the £5 Billion SEND Investment Help Children?

The government promises to resolve 90 percent of local authorities' Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs deficits accrued to the end of 2025/26, projected to be worth over £5 billion. This massive investment directly targets services for children with special educational needs and disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorders and ADHD.

All local authorities with a SEND deficit will be eligible to receive grant funding, subject to submitting and securing Department for Education approval of a local SEND reform plan. This requirement ensures accountability and measurable improvements in how children with developmental and learning differences receive support.

Why Do Early Intervention Gaps Still Concern Experts?

Despite these funding announcements, significant concerns remain about the health system's ability to identify and support people who need early intervention. The Public Accounts Committee session highlighted ongoing challenges with how effectively the health system identifies and supports people living with frailty outside hospitals.

Sir Jim Mackey and Professor Chris Whitty emphasized that "early identification and intervention are essential to preventing avoidable crises," but noted that "too few people are being formally assessed or coded, with significant variation between GP practices and integrated care boards." Dr. Amanda Doyle acknowledged weaknesses in incentives, accountability and data use across the healthcare system.

The experts stressed that integrated neighborhood teams and community-based care are central to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations and reducing reliance on hospital services. This approach could particularly benefit families with children who have developmental needs, ensuring better coordination between health services, schools, and community support systems.