Further delays to announcements about how high needs budget deficits will be dealt with by the DfE. Schools minister stated that further details on plans to support councils with historic and accruing deficits will be “later in the settlement process” and expect to be linked to ‘credible plans’ to reduce deficit demand. The DfE also states it will review the high needs funding system so it supports its SEND reforms. For 2026-27 it will use last year’s allocations with some adjustments which is expected to mean funding allocations will effectively be frozen at 2025-26 levels.  https://schoolsweek.co.uk/send-deficit-support-not-unlimited-as-funding-review-pledged/