Council makes bankruptcy warning over SEND budget

The council has warned its SEND budget needs financial support

A council says it faces effective bankruptcy unless it receives more financial support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

North Somerset Council has written to the government's education secretary saying a deal to manage its SEND budget overspend is failing, warning of "severe consequences".

The government said it has inherited a "broken system" that needs renewing, however it has stopped short of promising more money.

North Somerset Council's overspend in this area was more than £13m at the end of the last financial year.

'Grave concerns'

The letter was written by North Somerset's lead member for Children's Services, Labour councillor Catherine Gibbons.

In it, she writes about her "grave concerns" regarding the financial sustainability of the SEND system.

"The current situation poses a significant threat to the ability of local authorities to continue delivering vital services," she said in her letter.

"The escalating costs associated with this responsibility are placing an unsustainable burden on our budgets."

North Somerset Council was one of several councils to enter into what is called a "safety valve agreement" with the government, which involves a plan to reduce its deficit in SEND spending.

However the council's figures show its overspend grew from £8.7m in 2023 to £13.3m in March this year.

In the letter, Ms Gibbons said the demands on their SEND budget have been increasing at "an alarming rate" with a rise in the number of children requiring support and the complexity of their needs.

'Broken system'

Meanwhile it has emerged Bristol City Council is also struggling to reduce its SEND deficit, having entered into a similar safety valve agreement earlier this year.

Council figures show it expects to overspend by almost £10m this financial year. The authority said it is in discussions with the department for education about its financial position.

The new Labour government made no specific policy pledges to increase SEND funding during the election campaign, instead prioritising the recruitment of more teachers.

In a statement to the BBC, Education Secretary Bridget Williamson said: “We have a broken system in desperate need of long-term renewal.

"I won’t make false promises, change won’t feel as quick as parents – or I – would like.

"I will make sure our approach is fully planned and delivered in concert with parents, schools, councils, and everyone who works with children.”