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Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Dedicated Schools Grant: Special Educational Needs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 124727 on Dedicated Schools Grant, what the estimated value is of the residual deficit across local government when the DSG Statutory Override ends in March 2028.

Answer

This government is committed to supporting local authorities with their dedicated schools grant (DSG) deficits as we transition to a reformed special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. Every local authority with a deficit will be able to receive a grant amounting to 90% of their eligible deficit at the end of 2025/26, provided they secure approval for their local SEND reform plan, which must set out a clear pathway towards an inclusive system that meets the needs of children and young people and supports the wider vision for SEND reform. Final grant allocations will be calculated based on a review of Section 251 data, draft and published DSG notes, DSG S151 assurance sign off, revenue outturn data and published accounts.

For deficits arising in 2026/27 and 2027/28, local authorities can expect that we will take an appropriate and proportionate approach, though it will not be unlimited. Future support will take into account local authorities' successful delivery of their approved local SEND reform plan, including appropriate use of investment funding to establish an Experts at Hand offer.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
9004
Session
2026-27
Related items
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Debts Local government Special educational needs Dedicated schools grant
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk