High Needs
Councils are addressing significant deficits in High Needs funding for special educational needs and disabilities.
Councils are currently addressing significant financial pressures within High Needs funding, which supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. In December 2025, Lewisham Schools Forum considered transferring funds from the Schools Block to the High Needs Block for the 2026/27 budget, following a projected cumulative deficit of £18.6m. Ealing Schools Forum decided in July 2025 to claw back surplus funds from schools to support high needs pressures, after the high needs deficit increased to £7.755m.
These actions reflect a wider trend of local authorities grappling with Dedicated Schools Grant deficits, often stemming from increasing demands on their high needs budgets. Hammersmith and Fulham's Schools Forum also addressed a High Needs Block baseline overspend of £5.254m for 2024/25, which was reduced to £0.963m. Councils continue to explore options to manage these financial challenges.
Key facts
- Lewisham's High Needs Block 2024/25 overspend was £3m, with a projected cumulative deficit of £18.6m. Source
- Lewisham Schools Forum considered transferring funds to High Needs for the 2026/27 budget in December 2025. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham's High Needs Block had a baseline overspend of £5.254m for 2024/25. Source
- Ealing Schools Forum decided to claw back surplus funds from schools in July 2025. Source
- Ealing's high needs deficit increased by £5.528m to £7.755m in 2024-25. 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.