Parents fear government accountancy rules are severely impacting the chances of getting a care programme for SEND children. Although this has come to light with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) councils, this is a widespread deficit problem, may I suggest, of the government's making.
'Most councils in England have overspent their budgets on special education needs and disabilities (SEND) since 2015, when the government extended the age range of young people who qualify for Send support without providing councils with the necessary funding. These deficits have fed into councils’ overall education budgets – known as the dedicated schools grant (DSG).'
The government response is that:
“We are working with councils who are affected by deficits from the dedicated schools grant to ensure they can move to a more sustainable position in the future. “Councils are ultimately responsible for their own finances, but we remain ready to talk to any concerned about its financial position."
“We recognise councils are facing challenges and that is why we have announced a £64bn funding package* to ensure they can continue making a difference, alongside our combined efforts to level up.”
*Michael Gove, the communities secretary, will announce the £64bn support package on Monday, less than a fortnight after he was warned that an unprecedented number of councils are likely to declare themselves bankrupt.
By: Mike Aylen
On:16-01-2024
