The Government has given a vote of confidence in Devon’s progress on SEND, approving the county council’s reform plan and announcing an indicative £191m grant to repay 90% of the council’s accumulated overspend on SEND up to the end of 2025/26.
The Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care said it recognised the progress made by partners across education, health and local government in developing a shared plan to improve support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The approval means Devon County Council is eligible to receive a High Needs Stability Grant covering 90 per cent of its Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit accrued up to the end of the 2025-26 financial year, with an indicative allocation of £191.3 million, subject to final confirmation.
The grant relates to historic expenditure that has already been incurred through Devon’s DSG deficit and the costs associated with financing it. It is not additional funding available for new SEND services or other council spending.
Ministers said the approval recognises the commitment shown by Devon’s local area partnership to reform and provides a foundation from which it can move into the delivery phase of its improvement programme.
Exeter dementia study to be NHS tested as part of £80m government project
Budleigh walkabout helps shape review of communal areas
Over 23,000 young people in the South West have had their first MenB dose, but more than 53,000 are still missing out on the life-saving vaccine
Public voting open for Devon Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Celebration and Impact Awards
Community Project Set to Revive East Devon Hedgerows
Economic squeeze hitting fire service’s bid to recruit on-call firefighters
Woodbury Neighbourhood Plan officially adopted following overwhelming public support
A Spooktacular Success: Halloween Costume Swaps Expand Across Devon
MP welcomes cash boost for Exeter city centre
Where’s all the infrastructure funding anyway?
Pub eyes expansion with virtual games and snooker rooms
Calls for ‘fire summit’ amid rampant pressure on service
Devon Partnership NHS Trust Achieves Major Energy Savings Through Solar
Rail industry crackdown as trespassing criminals cause more than six and half days of delays on the South Western network in a year
Communities invited to apply for new Devon library improvement grants
Have Your Say on the Future of the Dawlish Aviary
