(UK) N. Northants: Govt could cover $60M SPED deficit; reforms planned

Oct 12, 2026, Government approval of council's SEND reform plan could see North Northants' £45m decifit cleared

Government approval of North Northants Council's special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reform plan could see 90 per cent of the estimated £45m [$60M] decifit cleared.

The majority of the council’s overspend comes from increased demand for alternative provision, which is for pupils who do not have a school place due to exclusion and a lack of specialist places for children with EHCPs, as well as higher than budgeted-for spending on special schools.

In February, the Government announced it would fund 90 per cent of the national deficits against the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) accrued until the end of the 2025/26 – in the High Needs Stability Grant allocation.