The Government says it will fund the full cost of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision from within central government departmental spending from 2028/29.
The Government has announced that it will fund special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision fully from 2028/29. However, West Berkshire Council is left in the dark about interim funding.
Iain Cottingham, finance portfolio holder at West Berkshire, commented: “While it’s positive that the government will take on these costs in the future, it doesn’t solve our current deficit, which is putting serious financial pressure on us.”
Last year, SEND costs in West Berkshire surged by £17m, and Cottingham warns that this trend is likely to continue.
Local authorities are now awaiting updates regarding their grant amounts from the Government in the Local Government Finance Settlement. Cottingham urged the Government to forgive existing deficits and fully fund all related costs, including home-to-school transport, until 2028/29.
The Office for Budget Responsibility noted that without a clear plan for these liabilities, they pose a significant ongoing fiscal risk.
In addition, the recent budget included nearly £1bn for social care grants, but Cottingham expressed uncertainty about the exact amount West Berkshire will receive.
On a positive note, he mentioned the stability of bond markets post-budget, which helps keep borrowing costs down. West Berkshire Council plans to borrow another £50m next year, increasing its borrowing from £231m in 2024 to £294m by 2026.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
