William Eichler 13 August 2024

Council issues s114 warning due to SEND crisis

Council issues s114 warning due to SEND crisis  image
Image: Sutthiphong Chandaeng / Shutterstock.com.

North Somerset Council has warned that it might be forced to declare effective bankruptcy unless it receives more financial support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, lead member for children’s services, last week wrote to the secretary of state for education, Bridget Phillipson MP, warning that ‘escalating costs’ related to the delivery of SEND services were placing an ‘unsustainable burden on our budgets’.

She added that the crisis in SEND funding was exacerbated by what she described as the ‘failure’ of the Safety Valve Programme to deliver saving.

The safety valve programme is a series of agreements between the Department for Education (DfE) and local authorities that state that the DfE will help councils that have over-spent their high needs budgets.

‘Local authorities require additional support to manage the deficits that have accrued due to underfunding. This could include financial assistance, debt relief, or other forms of support to help us balance our budgets without cutting essential services,’ wrote Cllr Gibbons.

‘Without this North Somerset Council, like many others will be required to issue a s114 notice.’

Check out: What do safety valve agreements mean for children with SEND?

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner