Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services
Councils are currently addressing significant financial deficits and rising demand for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services.
Councils are currently addressing significant financial pressures in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. Kingston Council reported a £20.5 million cumulative deficit in September 2026, which a proposed stability grant could reduce. Lewisham Council faces a projected £10 million overspend on its high needs block, discussed by its Public Accounts Select Committee in September 2026.
Rising demand and national reforms are contributing to these challenges. Wandsworth Council is addressing surging demand and budget overspends in its SEND services, with proposals outlined to its Children's Overview and Scrutiny Committee in September 2026. Tower Hamlets councillors discussed national SEND reforms in September 2026, with the borough having submitted its own SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education.
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services provide support to children and young people requiring additional assistance beyond mainstream education. Councils continue to manage financial pressures across these services, as highlighted by Sutton Council's People Committee in June 2026. No upcoming meetings are currently listed for this topic.
Key facts
- Kingston Council's cumulative deficit in SEND services is £20.5 million, as revealed in September 2026. Source
- A proposed stability grant of £22.093 million is intended to reduce Kingston's SEND deficit. Source
- Lewisham Council projects a £10 million overspend on its high needs block for SEND services. Source
- Tower Hamlets has submitted its SEND Reform Plan to the Department for Education. Source
- The overspend in Lewisham is attributed to a national increase in Education, Health and Care Plan applications. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.