Central School Services Block (CSSB)
Councils are addressing overspends in the Central School Services Block, which funds central services for schools, and broader Dedicated Schools Grant deficits.
Royal Greenwich schools discussed a £0.5 million overspend in the Central School Services Block (CSSB), which funds central services for schools, at a Schools Forum meeting in December 2025. This overspend was attributed to Department for Education guidelines, according to a report to the committee.
More broadly, Kingston upon Thames schools are facing a projected £12.7 million deficit for the 2025/26 academic year, primarily due to rising costs within the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant. Haringey Council finalised its schools funding formula for 2026-27 in January 2026, adopting the National Funding Formula with a 0% Minimum Funding Guarantee.
The Central School Services Block (CSSB) is a component of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) that funds central services provided by local authorities to maintained schools and academies, including school interventions, admissions, and virtual schools.
Key facts
- Kingston upon Thames schools face a projected £12.7 million deficit for the 2025/26 academic year. Source
- Haringey Council finalised its schools funding formula for 2026-27 in January 2026. Source
- Royal Greenwich schools discussed a £0.5 million overspend in the Central School Services Block in December 2025. 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.