Parents in England may soon face limits on choosing special schools for their children under sweeping reforms to special educational needs and disabilities provision. The white paper proposes that councils provide families with a shortlist of suitable placements, considering parental preference alongside value for money and the needs of all children in the area. Ministers say the changes aim to place more pupils closer to home, reducing long travel times and rising transport costs (now up to £3.4 billion a year). £4 billion has been pledged to expand specialist places within mainstream schools and reduce reliance on expensive independent providers. Private placements can cost more than twice as much as state-sector options, adding pressure to local authority budgets. While parents will retain the right to appeal decisions, tribunals will no longer be able to name a specific school. Broader reforms also include reviewing the future use of care plans.