Title

FINANCE

Government to pay off 90% of SEND deficits

The Government will provide funding for 90% of English councils’ deficits relating to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), it has announced today.

By Martin Ford | 09 February 2026

The Government will provide funding for 90% of English councils' deficits relating to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), it has announced today.

The proposal covers deficits accrued to the end of the 2025-26 financial year, at an estimated cost of more than £5bn.

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