Kent County Council is facing a significant financial challenge as the costs for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) continue to rise. According to Councillor Harry Rayner, a former deputy cabinet member, the council’s SEND bill could reach a staggering £136 million by March, with the possibility of it being even higher.
The council’s own papers show a projected £70 million deficit in the SEND budget by 2025-26, and they have described it as “one of the council’s biggest financial risks.” This pressure reflects the growing demand for SEND support and a shortfall in government funding.
To address this issue, Kent County Council, along with 37 other local authorities, signed up to the government’s five-year Safety Valve Agreement (SVA) in 2022-23. This scheme aims to provide additional government funding in exchange for the council implementing reforms and tighter financial controls.
The papers presented to the Children, Young People and Education (CYPE) cabinet committee on 20 January suggest that the SVA has helped the council avoid up to £222 million in spending reductions for SEND services. However, the council has also warned that “there is a risk that future payments… could be withheld” if it fails to show sufficient progress in reducing its deficit.
Under the agreement, Kent County Council has committed to a series of changes, including working with mainstream schools to support and integrate more SEND pupils and reviewing the education, health, and care plan (EHCP) system.
The council has stated that it has received all payments due so far, but the long-term sustainability of the SEND budget remains a significant concern. The potential impact on the council’s overall financial position and the ability to provide essential services to the community is a pressing issue that will require careful management and close collaboration with the government.