Health & Lifestyle, Political | Posted on September 13th, 2024 | return to news
Dorset MP calls for Government action on SEND funding
Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade is pressing the Government to address funding for special educational needs and disabilities.
Recently elected MP Vikki Slade has called on the new Labour Government to address the rising costs of funding services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole warns that, due to the precarious and uncertain financial position many councils across the country are facing due to a lack of adequate funding, well-run local authorities like BCP Council could become insolvent and fail to provide vital services to children. She is pressing the Government to address the crisis as a matter of urgency.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday 12 September, Slade asked the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, to ensure this issue is put on the agenda.
She said: “Local authorities are still waiting for clarity on an extension to the statutory override that allows them to fund the shortfall from core council budgets, including their reserves. The BCP deficit, where many of my constituents’ children go to school, has reached £64 million, with reserves at just £65 million.
“Councils are not permitted to borrow to fund this and without urgent action, they will be unable to set a legally balanced budget in February.”
Slade’s call to the Government emphasised the need for immediate intervention to provide a financial solution for local authorities. She will continue to press the Government to ensure that funding for SEND children is a top priority.
Vikki Slade was elected at the General Election in July, unseating incumbent Conservative MP Michael Tomlinson. She is also the councillor for the Broadstone Ward in BCP Council.
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