William Eichler 24 June 2025

Councillor warns of ‘tidal wave’ of SEND demand

Councillor warns of ‘tidal wave’ of SEND demand image
wavebreakmedia / Shutterstock.com.

West Sussex County Council has warned it is facing a ‘tidal wave of demand’ for services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In 2024/25, the council overspent by more than £54m on the high needs portion of its Dedicated Schools Grant.

Speaking during a meeting of the children and young people’s services scrutiny committee, Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, reportedly urged the other committee members to write to their MPs to raise the issue of SEND pressures.

‘This authority, like many, many across the nation, is trying very hard to deal with a tidal wave of demand with their hands tied behind their backs,’ she said.

Local authorities in England are facing a £6bn SEND deficit which has been kept off balance sheets thanks to a statutory override that will now remain in place until the end of 2027-28.

For more on the SEND pressures faced by local authorities, check out The £37,000 SEND Problem by Natalie Kenneison, the chief operating officer from Imosphere.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker- Family Support and Safeguarding - Witney

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules, and a strengths-bas Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner