West Northamptonshire is now staring down an extraordinary £21.4 million education budget deficit. This figure is going to increase to £31.1 million by the beginning of the next school year. West Northamptonshire is now left with a huge combined hole of at least £52.5 million. This problem has been exacerbated by the increasing pressure and costs of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
North Northamptonshire currently faces acute financial difficulties. The combined authority’s region has just announced a £21.4 million overspend that’s likely to balloon by an additional £18.7 million. That would increase North Northamptonshire’s total 2023/24 overspend to more than £40 million. Both councils, led by Reform UK, are now passionately advocating for fair and equal funding. Their goal is to do all of this in a very real way.
Northamptonshire’s education budget crisis is the result of a tidal wave of new educational needs. This is especially true for services that provide support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Local authorities are feeling the pinch with these skyrocketing expenses, increasing the burden to already stretched budgets.
The forecast overspend on Northamptonshire’s schools account will rise to over £92 million by March 2026. This perfect storm portends dire future implications for the sustainability of educational funding in the area.
“We are right in the middle of an increase in demand, an increase in complexity and cost,” said a spokesperson from one of the councils. This proclamation is an indicator of just how grave the situation is. Both councils are deeply engaged in addressing financial issues, while ensuring that students’ educational needs are prioritized.
Yet while the councils are still reporting and fighting for more direct and strategic government support, the local educational landscape is often filled with uncertainty. This is why West and North Northamptonshire Councils are calling for a better allocation of funding. They want to lift the financial burdens that make it impossible for you to continue providing quality education.
