London Borough of Brent
Brent Council is currently addressing a projected £20.8 million deficit in its schools' budget, driven by rising High Needs Block costs.
Brent Council's schools are facing a £20.8 million deficit, primarily due to escalating costs within the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant. The Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee heard in October 2026 that without government funding, this cumulative deficit is forecast to more than double to £41.0 million by March 2027.
In August 2026, the Senior Staff Appointments Sub-Committee met to appoint a Chief Digital & Innovation Officer. Earlier, in July 2026, the Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for a Burmese Cultural Event.
Key facts
- Brent Council's schools are facing a £20.8 million deficit. Source
- The deficit is primarily driven by escalating costs within the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant. Source
- The cumulative DSG deficit is forecast to more than double to £41.0 million by March 2027 without government funding. Source
- The Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee heard about the deficit in October 2026. Source
- The deficit is due to increased demand and rising placement costs for children with Education, Health and Care Plans. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 21 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.