City's financial reserves dwindling for children with special needs

EDUCATION leaders say it is proving "difficult" to close a multi-million pound black hole in Nottingham City Council's special needs budget - but improvements have been made.

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The Labour-led authority says its financial reserves for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are dwindling, with "significant overspending" due to soaring demand.

Its high needs reserves are expected to decrease from just over £19 million in 2024/25 to just £3.1m by 2027/28.

Reserves are anticipated to then fall into a deficit of £4.9m in 2028/29 and further to £13.174m by 2029/30.

This marks a slight improvement from June this year, when the deficit was forecast to be £15.2m by 2029/30.

The problem - which a significant number of local authorities across the country are also facing - was discussed at a Schools Forum meeting on Tuesday.

Jo Moxon, interim director of education at the council, said: "I hope that is encouraging...the better grip if you like on the finance.