Worcestershire County Council has recently been given a rather unique financial reset. This alert calls attention to their spending on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Recently, Grant Thornton auditors have characterized the current situation as “out of control.” In particular, they noted the steep rise in deficits, which sets the council apart from other comparable rural communities.
The section 24 notice issued to the council pertains to a period during which the Conservatives maintained control over its operations. This alert raises a new, but growing issue, about spending money on SEND services. In the last 10 years, expenses have increased exponentially. Though this overspend is largely being covered by one-off government funding, saving the council from immediate bankruptcy, the council itself is on the precipice.
Last month, auditors Grant Thornton expressed their alarm over the council’s failure to act. They pointed to the critical need for bold action to address rising fiscal pressures. They’ve been vocal about the fact that the status quo is “not sustainable.” To address these challenges, a dedicated internal management taskforce has been convened, meeting bi-weekly to develop plans to cut costs.
Despite continued calls to rein in spending, Worcestershire County Council found just £3 million in savings last year. At the same time, auditors have staked the council’s ground in being called an “outlier.” This designation is a result of its rapid increase in deficit, the largest amongst any other councils facing similar economic downturns.
“We are very concerned about the continuing lack of a robust management plan to address the deficit.”
As former Conservative cabinet member for education David Chambers recently declared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the blame for what has happened lies with successive governments. He stressed that fundamental systemic changes are needed to make sure SEND services are sustainable long-term.
“Councils have a legal responsibility to help children with special educational needs, but the costs have risen to such an extent, I’m not surprised by the section 24 notice,” said Chambers.
He further remarked on the inadequacy of funding from central government, stating, “The situation is severe. The funding from central government has simply not been enough.”
The council has come under fire for its failure to take action in advance for too many years. At the time, a spokesperson for the council admitted that there was disappointment regarding last week’s government announcements. They announced that all reform delays for SEND services will now take effect early in 2026.
“The recent announcement from government on the delay setting out reforms to SEND services until ‘early’ 2026 is massively disappointing,” stated the spokesperson.
Additionally, they noted that without significant reforms at the governmental level, many of the issues confronting the council are beyond their control.
“We need comprehensive changes that will make the system sustainable and address the dramatic rise in costs we have seen over the last decade,” emphasized the spokesperson.
