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Somerset Council able to write off £95m SEND spending deficit
Überblick
Somerset Council has agreed a plan with the Department for Education to write off 90% of its special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) spending deficit, avoiding potential effective bankruptcy. The agreement includes investment in SEND services, such as the introduction of 50 additional specialists to provide early support for young people up to the age of 25.
Wichtige Punkte
- Somerset Council agreed a plan with the Department for Education to write off £95m of its SEND spending deficit.
- Without the agreement, the council faced covering the deficit in its 2028 budget, risking effective bankruptcy.
- The plan includes investment in SEND services and the introduction of 50 additional specialists for young people up to age 25.
- The expanded specialist team will cover areas including autism, mental health, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy.
- The Somerset Parent Carer Forum welcomed the plan to improve early support and create a more joined-up SEND system.