½ of Councils warn of insolvency over special needs spending

OVER ½ of Councils that support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have warned they will become insolvent when a temporary accounting measure that keeps spending deficits relating to SEND off their main balance sheets ends next year, a survey by the Local Government Association has found.

Councils are currently able to keep high needs deficits, where the cost of providing support outstrips the SEND budgets available to Councils, off their main revenue accounts.

With no clarity on what will happen once the mechanism that enables them to do this, known as:- "statutory override," expires in March 2025 2026, many Councils have said they will not be able to balance their books when this runs out.

If the override ends as planned with no alternative method for addressing deficits, 53 per cent of Councils responding to the survey, responsible for SEND provision, say they will not be able to set a balanced budget in 2026/27, rising to 63 per cent in 2027/28 and 65 per cent in 2028/29.

The LGA is calling:- on the Government to urgently address the issue in the Spending Review, as part of a wider programme of reform of the SEND system.

It says the Government should write off Councils' high needs deficits, which are projected to rise to £5 billion next year. This is despite Councils being expected to be spending £12 billion to support children with SEND.

Increasing need for support from children with SEND has seen costs for Councils soar.

Since reforms in the Children and Families Act 2014, the number of children and young people with Education, Health and Care plans (EHCPs), which outline the support a person is entitled to, has risen by 140 per cent from 240,183 in 2014/15to 575,973 in 2023/24.

While the £1 billion funding for SEND announced in the Budget was positive, this money is likely to be consumed by partially plugging existing deficits.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the LGA's Children and Young People Board, said:- "The ending of the statutory override threatens Councils' financial viability. Only by taking bold and brave action in the Spending Review and writing off Councils' high needs deficits can Councils have the financial stability they need to ensure children with SEND get the support they need. But funding is only 1 of the challenges facing the SEND system. Putting Councils on a stable financial footing has to be part of a comprehensive reform plan, which focusses on boosting inclusion in mainstream Schools, early years settings and colleges, ensuring they have the capacity and expertise to meet the needs of children with SEND."

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FPC sponsors International Women's Day in Southport to:- 'honour extraordinary women in our community'

INTERNATIONAL Women's Day in Southport will be an unmissable opportunity to:- "honour the extraordinary contributions of women in our community."

Financial Planning Corporation (FPC) has been announced as a headline sponsor for the glittering event, organised by Queenscourt Hospice, which will take place at The Grand, on Lord Street, from 12pm onwards on Friday, 7 March 2025.

Tickets are £50 each or £500 for a table of 10 and include:- a delicious 2 course meal, entertainment, a glass of fizz upon arrival sponsored by LWC, and talks by 3 top figures.

All funds raised during the day will go towards Queenscourt Hospice, a local charity that delivers exceptional care for people with life-limiting illnesses in West Lancashire, Southport and Formby.

You can book tickets through the Queenscourt Hospice website.

For more details contact Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Team on:- 01704544645 or email:- Fundraising@Queenscourt.Org.UK.

The event is a celebration of women with women and men welcome to attend.

Helen Thomas, Chartered Financial Planner, FPC, said:- "At FPC, we're committed to empowering individuals and providing support through every stage of life. That's why we're proud to sponsor Queenscourt Hospice's International Women's Day celebration. This event is a chance to honour the extraordinary contributions of women in our community while supporting the compassionate care that Queenscourt provides. Together, we can celebrate progress, inspire confidence, and make a lasting impact."

Sponsored by Financial Planning Corporation (FPC) and LeaseCar UK, the event will be hosted by West End performer John Coates. John is a West End actor with over 30 years in the entertainment industry.

John's career spans over 3 decades in theatre, and international entertainment. Renowned for his versatility and commitment to the craft, John has worked alongside some of the industry's most iconic figures, including:- Michael Ball, Imelda Staunton, Jason Manford, Dominic West, Patricia Routledge, Sir Tony Britton, June Whitfield, and the legendary Dame Vera Lynn.

Speakers are:-

• Serena Silcock, Head of Operations, Silcock Leisure Group.
  

• Alan Adams, General Manager, Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events.
  

• Tammy Burgess, Southport Football Club Sporting Director.
  

• Entertainment will be provided by superb local singer Kelly Bond.
  

• Media and PR support is being provided through Stand Up For Southport.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the 1st gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

People are invited to make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.