Last week's Spending Review took place amid a challenging global and national backdrop, with competing priorities. It is as notable for what it does not say as it is for what it does. Despite some welcome announcements, ongoing lack of clarity on SEND deficits remains my concern and is the main focus of this article.

Although it is a tight settlement, local government fared better than some, and a three-year settlement – the first outside the pandemic since 2015 – is a step forward. Along with further funding simplification this increases certainty and will help councils to plan and deliver value for money.