A recent survey reveals that 79 percent of local councils expect to be unable to balance their budgets by 2028. This financial challenge is tied to rising expenses related to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which have been temporarily excluded from official budget calculations through a statutory override.
The statutory override, set to expire in 2028, currently allows councils to keep SEND overspending off their balance sheets. Once this measure ends, many councils anticipate significant budgetary pressures that could lead to financial instability.
**Why this matters**
Councils play a critical role in providing education and support for children with special needs. The anticipated budget shortfalls may impact the quality and availability of these essential services. Addressing the funding gap is important to ensure that local authorities can continue to meet the needs of vulnerable children without compromising their overall financial health.
Source: NewsData