Barnet Council is facing a projected deficit of £13.3 million in its Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the current financial year, a report presented to the Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee has revealed. The deficit is expected to result in a year-end DSG deficit of approximately £9.4 million.

The report highlights that the deficit reflects national pressures on specialist educational support and is also partly attributed to Barnet's reputation for good schools. This reputation is attracting parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), leading to increased demand for specialist educational support and consequently creating knock-on financial pressure on the Council.

Bar chart showing financial figures from 2020 to 2026, with a downward red arrow indicating a significant decrease.
Bar chart showing financial figures from 2020 to 2026, with a downward red arrow indicating a significant decrease.Source: Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee papers, 20 July 2026

The report, available in the public reports pack for the Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on 20th July 2026, details the financial challenges. The forecast in-year overspend of £13.3 million for the DSG is a significant concern for the council.

Further details on the council's financial position can be found in the agenda frontsheet for the same meeting. Agenda frontsheet 20th Jul 2026

Bar chart comparing capital expenditure by funding streams for 2024/25 and 2025/26, including Exceptional Financial Support (EFS).
A bar chart comparing capital expenditure by funding streams for 2024/25 and 2025/26, including Exceptional Financial Support (EFS).Source: Finance and Growth Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee papers, 20 July 2026