Overview
- Access to the historic deficit grant is conditional on councils submitting local SEND reform plans for Department for Education approval.
- From 2028, SEND spending and any new deficits will be absorbed into national government budgets.
- The Local Government Association says the package removes the immediate insolvency risk for many authorities but urges full write‑off and system overhaul in forthcoming policy announcements.
- Rising demand for Education, Health and Care Plans has pushed costs sharply higher, with 638,745 plans recorded in January 2025 and spending estimated at about £13.6 billion in 2024/25.
- Local pressures remain acute and details are awaited: Norfolk’s deficit is forecast above £180 million; Oxfordshire projects £163 million, leaving around £16 million after relief; North East leaders seek clarity on allocations and Safety Valve changes, while ministers point to £200 million for teacher training and £3 billion for 50,000 specialist places.