Ellie Ames 21 October 2024

Twenty-six councils could face S114s over SEND deficits

Twenty-six councils could face S114s over SEND deficits image
Image: Tendo / Shutterstock.com

Dozens of England’s largest councils face ‘financial emergency’ if their multi-billion pound deficits for special needs provision are put on their budget books, according to new analysis.

The County Councils Network (CCN) found that 16 county and rural authorities predicted they would need to issue a Section 114 notice before 2027 because of surging costs in adult social care, children’s services and home to school transport.

According to the CCN, England’s 38 county and largest unitary authorities have amassed ‘unmanageable’ special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) deficits of £2bn this year.

Currently, these deficits are being kept off councils’ budget books due to the ‘statutory override’, an accountancy method due to expire in March 2026.

If it does expire, the number of councils at risk of declaring effective bankruptcy by 2027 would rise to 26.

CCN SEND spokesperson Kate Foale said: ‘Today’s survey shows the reality of what would happen if these deficits are not addressed and the statutory override removed: an immediate financial emergency that would lead to dozens of councils declaring bankruptcy in the next 18 months, and only four out of 38 surveyed surviving the decade.

‘With the clock ticking to March 2026 when these deficits are placed back onto councils’ budget books, the Government must provide immediate clarity on a national solution to eliminating or managing councils’ deficits.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council

Social Worker - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
Looking to appoint as a Level 2 or Level 3 Social Worker. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner