Bedford Borough Council has received a £1.5 million government grant to wipe out 90% of its Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) debt.
The funding, provided through a High Needs Stability Grant, was awarded after the government approved the council’s Local SEND Reform Plan.
However, local authority officials have warned the cash injection will not increase the day-to-day budget for local services.
Council funding pressures
A Bedford Borough Council spokesperson told the Bedford Independent that the grant would be welcome, but it doesn’t solve all the council’s SEND funding needs.
“We can confirm that Bedford Borough Council has been notified of a one-off grant of £1.5 million from the Government, equivalent to 90% of our High Needs (SEND) debt, after the Government approved our SEND Reform Plan,” they said.
“The debt relief does not free up any money.
“The Council has ensured that support for children and young people with SEND has been prioritised, allocating funding based on identified needs.
“This led to the Council going into deficit as the funding received by the Government did not keep up with the rate of increased support required.
“This Government grant will pay off 90% of the deficit that was being funded through borrowing.”
A broken system
Read: Government to wipe 90% of Central Bedfordshire’s £40m SEND deficit
The financial relief comes amid ongoing concerns about the broader stability of SEND provision in Bedford.
Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, Mohammad Yasin, added: “So many of my constituents are understandably worried about what SEND reform will mean for them.
So, I am pleased that Bedford’s Local SEND Reform Plan has been approved by the Minister for School Standards, Georgia Gould, alongside a High Needs Stability Grant covering 90% of the council’s Dedicated Schools Grant deficit accrued up to the end of 2025–26.
“We have to get this right and fix a broken SEND system that is under significant pressure.
“I know families remain concerned about what the proposed reforms will mean for them, and I hope the Government publishes its response to the consultation soon so that families have the clarity they need.
“We must ensure these reforms end the fight for support and strengthen the offer for children and young people with SEND and their families.”
Future monitoring
In a letter confirming the grant, the minister for school standards, Georgia Gould, said the government will closely monitor local performance using quarterly data.
‘Confirmation of Local SEND Reform Plan outcomes marks the beginning of the next phase of work,’ she wrote.
‘We will not hesitate to take further action and intervention if outcomes for children are not met.
‘For deficits that arise in 2026–27 and 2027–28, local authorities can expect that we will continue to take an appropriate and proportionate approach, though it will not be unlimited.
‘Future support will take into account LAs’ successful delivery of their approved Local SEND reform plan, including appropriate use of investment funding to establish an Experts at Hand offer.’
