Mark Whitehead 17 December 2018

Council chiefs call for ‘emergency cash’ to support children with special needs

The Government has announced it will provide £350m to support children with complex needs and disabilities.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds said councils will receive an extra £250m over the next two years on top of the £6bn already provided in the budget this year.

He said a further £100m would create more specialist places in mainstream schools, colleges and special schools.

It followed a warning by council leaders that an emergency cash injection was needed to close a potential funding gap of up to £1.6bn over the next two years.

The Local Government Association (LGA) forecast that the current funding deficit could double to £806m next year and could continue to rise.

Anntoinette Bramble, chair of the LGA’s children and young people board, said the current system was at a 'tipping point' and the emergency funding was needed just to keep services afloat and cope with unprecedented demand.

Announcing the new money, education secretary Damian Hinds said: 'We recognise that the high needs budget faces significant pressures and this additional investment will help local councils to manage those pressures, whilst being able to invest to provide more support.

'Every school or college should be one for a young person with special educational needs; every teacher should be equipped to teach them, and families need to feel supported.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

School Crossing Patrol Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £13.4600 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer Chelmsford, Essex Part-Time, Temporary 7.5 hours per week, term-time only Up to 6 Months £13.46 PAYE / £17.24 Umbrella England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Deputy Team Manager - Older Adults Mental Health

Essex County Council
£48205 - £57988 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held in person at Rowan House, Colchester on 6th May 2026.The TeamWe are a committed team working with adults aged 65 years plus a England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director Place, Economy and Environment

West Northamptonshire Council
£151,368 – £161,559 (pay award pending)
West Northamptonshire is an ambitious, fast‑growing place with a bold vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Assistant Director Adult Social Care Operations

Buckinghamshire Council
Circa £92,000
Are you a credible, values-driven leader with the operational grip to deliver change? Buckinghamshire
Recuriter: Buckinghamshire Council

Chief Executive

Thurrock Council
c. £200,000
Lead the change, shape the future. West Thurrock, Grays
Recuriter: Thurrock Council
Linkedin Banner