Law or policy

2026-27 finance update

1 story · 1 council

Kingston Council is currently discussing how its 2026-27 finance update highlights inequalities in its SEND funding formula.

Kingston Council's Schools Forum discussed the 2026-27 finance update in September 2026, revealing that the funding formula for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) creates significant inequalities. This discussion highlighted that a pupil in Kingston receives a significantly lower amount of high needs spend than a pupil in Sutton.

Charis Penfold stated that the historical high-needs block formula is a key contributor to these disparities, explaining that the formula's origins were difficult and inconsistent. The 2026-27 finance update provides the financial context for these ongoing discussions about funding allocations.

Key facts

  1. Kingston's SEND funding formula creates significant inequalities. Source
  2. The 2026-27 finance update was discussed by Kingston's Schools Forum on September 28, 2026. Source
  3. A pupil in Kingston has a significantly lower amount of high needs spend than a pupil in Sutton. 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.

Latest stories

  1. Kingston SEND Funding Formula Creates Inequalities, Council Meeting Reveals Kingston's funding formula for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is creating significant inequalities, a council meeting has revealed. Councillors... Kingston upon Thames 30 September 2026