f40 has welcomed the news that Government is to write off 90% of local authority SEND deficits – amounting to around £5billion.
f40, which campaigns on behalf of 43 local authorities across England that receive among the lowest levels of education funding, has long campaigned for the deficits to be dealt with by Government, alongside major reforms in SEND, fairer and increased education funding, and a review of the National Funding Formula.
Chair Cllr Alex Dale said: “We’re very pleased and somewhat relieved that Government has agreed to step in and deal with the growing SEND deficits that are threatening to bankrupt the majority of local authorities in England through no fault of their own. We look forward to more detail on how this funding will be provided to all local authorities.
“The announcement of a £5billion funding package to write off most of these SEND deficits is welcome news to every local authority that has faced enormous challenges in providing special needs support to our most vulnerable children when the resources and funding were simply not there.
“Everyone agrees that the SEND system is broken, and this announcement acknowledges that it is unsustainable and unworkable.
“We now await the much-anticipated Schools White Paper and SEND reforms, which will hopefully provide the policy, legislation and increased ongoing funding needed to ensure schools and local authorities can provide support at the earliest opportunity and in the right environment so all children can thrive.
“We urge Government to be bold and brave in its reforms and to ensure schools are supported and funded adequately, with priority given to early help, improved inclusion, and Early Years, so the SEND system is put on a sustainable footing for the long-term. We must take this opportunity of reform and change to ensure it leads to improved outcomes for all children.”
