WILTSHIRE Council has welcomed what it describes as ‘a major breakthrough’ in the long-running funding crisis surrounding children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The government has announced it intends to write off around 90% of historic SEND deficits built up by councils across England up to the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

The shortfalls relate to the High Needs block of the Dedicated Schools Grant, which funds specialist support for children and young people with SEND.

The move could significantly ease pressure on council finances in Wiltshire where leaders had already set aside £18 million to help manage the growing deficit through their involvement in the government’s Safety Valve programme.

Even so, the authority expects to carry a remaining deficit of around £15 million for 2025/26, which it will still need to fund.

Leader of Wiltshire Council Cllr Ian Thorn said: “The government’s decision to write off a substantial proportion of SEND deficits is welcome news for Wiltshire and our SEND local area partnership.

“It will allow us to plan with far more confidence, and because we have carefully managed our financial position, we can continue with our focus on improving experiences and outcomes for children and families with SEND.

“While we await further details from government, the initial picture seems far more positive than before.

“We also look forward to seeing the government’s long-term SEND strategy. The current system is not sustainable and brings significant uncertainty for families and for local authorities during already challenging financial times.

“We expect more information soon and hope it leads to a system that is fit-for-purpose and works better for everyone.”

Further details on long-term SEND reform are expected shortly, with councils hoping for greater certainty as they plan future services and budgets.