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Dedicated Schools Grant (High Needs Block)

1 story · discussed at 1 council meeting · 2 councils

Brent Council is currently discussing a projected £20.8 million deficit in its High Needs Block funding for schools.

Brent Council's schools are facing a projected £20.8 million deficit, primarily due to escalating costs within the Dedicated Schools Grant's High Needs Block. A report to the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee in October 2026 highlighted increased demand and rising placement costs for children with Education, Health and Care Plans as key pressures. Without government funding, the cumulative deficit is forecast to reach £41.0 million by March 2027.

The Schools Forum at Lewisham Council is scheduled to discuss the topic on 22 October 2026. The High Needs Block is a funding stream within the Dedicated Schools Grant that supports children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans.

Key facts

  1. Brent Council's schools face a £20.8 million deficit driven by High Needs Block costs, as heard in October 2026. Source
  2. The cumulative DSG deficit for Brent is forecast to reach £41.0 million by March 2027. 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 21 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Brent Schools Face £20.8 Million Deficit Driven by High Needs Block Costs Brent Council's schools are facing a significant deficit of £20.8 million, primarily driven by escalating costs within the High Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Brent 21 October 2026