SEND spending set to almost double

Dudley Council plans to almost double spending on centres dedicated to helping children with special needs over the next five years.

Councillors approved a report presented to the authority’s cabinet on October 8 which raised the budget for Early Years Inclusion Hubs from £378,000 to £630,000, as long as councillors approve annual increases.

The number of hubs will increase from five to six with a new centre in the north of the borough to increase capacity to 60 places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Cllr Wayne Little, Dudley cabinet member for children and young people, said: “At its heart this report is about making sure children with SEND receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.

“The hubs are valued by families, demand is growing and the funding model is no longer sustainable.

“These proposals protect and strengthen a service that helps children achieve a better start in life while supporting families across the borough.”

The report, signed by John Macilwraith, Dudley director of children and young people, says funding is set at £6,300 per SEND place while the real cost can be as much as £13,500 per child.

The report added: “Financial modelling identified that all inclusion hubs are operating at a financial deficit, creating ongoing sustainability pressures for providers.

“Without additional investment there is a risk that specialist capacity could become increasingly difficult to maintain, particularly given rising demand and the growing complexity of children’s needs.”

Cllr Sue Ridney said: “It’s good to hear there will be an extra one in the north, it’s better children with special needs are receiving the support they need within their local communities.”

Councillors were also told the government has approved a plan for SEND reform in Dudley borough which means 90 percent of a long-term deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DGS) will be written off by Westminster.

The DSG provides ring-fenced funding for local authorities to support spending on schools, early years and children and young people with high needs and many local authorities are millions of pounds in the red as bills rocketed due to increased demand.

Councillors were told the change means the council will have a deficit of £6m rather than £61m.

By Martyn Smith | Local Democracy Reporting Service