THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• LGA Drinks Reception — Last Spots Left: Join UK GovTech x Agilisys for an evening on GenAI in Children’s and Adult Services — connect with peers shaping digital transformation.

• £5B SEND Deficit Delayed, Not Solved: Government postpones SEND deficit reckoning until 2028 — offering councils short-term relief, but risking deeper financial instability.

• Fairer Funding Reform: New proposals aim to rebalance council funding, boosting long-term stability for adult social care.

• Bristol’s 12-Month SEND Wait: Only 3% of EHCPs completed on time — a stark reminder of how funding cuts are eroding frontline delivery.

• Focus on Prevention: Planned reorganisation backs district councils to lead more local, community-driven care models.

LGA EVENT

Last Few Spots To Our Drinks Reception At The LGA

Just under a week to go until the LGA Conference - and we are excited to be co-hosting a special evening of drinks, networking, and discussion on how councils are putting citizens at the heart of GenAI transformation.​

Join us for UK GovTech x Agilisys: Centering Citizens at the Heart of GenAI Transformation, taking place on Wednesday 2nd July from 6:15pm to 7:30pm at Clockwise Liverpool.​

If you are a leader in Children’s or Adult Services exploring how technology can support your teams - or if you are simply keen to hear what is working for your peers across local government - this is the event for you. Expect an informal and insightful evening with council leaders, digital experts, and transformation champions all sharing ideas and inspiration.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE

Councils Burdened by Delayed Special Educational Needs System Overhaul

Councils in England are grappling with mounting financial pressure as the government delays tackling £5 billion in SEND deficits. This postponement, extending high-needs deficits off council balance sheets until 2028, provides temporary relief but risks escalating financial instability. Without urgent government intervention, councils may be forced into insolvency or severe service cuts.

Education faces a growing challenge with nearly 20% of schoolchildren identified with SEND. The government aims to reform SEND funding during this delay; however, planned central funding increases of just 1.1% annually until 2029 may fall short, jeopardising long-term financial stability. The government's forecast, assuming a 4.99% council tax hike, might strain already struggling councils further. Immediate, comprehensive solutions are necessary to avert potential mass bankruptcies and ensure councils' fiscal health.

LOCAL GOVERNANCE REFORM

Fairer Funding For Councils Across The Country In Major Reform

The proposed overhaul of the council funding system aims to rectify longstanding inefficiencies by introducing place-based formulas targeting regions in need, thus replacing outdated methodologies. Streamlining grants and implementing multi-year financial settlements are steps anticipated to bolster council efficiency and public service delivery. With an urgent emphasis on equity, these reforms seek to address imbalances, allowing deprived areas to benefit from increased funds, enhancing services like social care and education.

The proposed changes, aligned with the Plan for Change, significantly reduce administrative burdens and provide councils with the financial stability needed for long-term planning. This strategic initiative derives from an understanding of the unique demands on local services due to demographics and deprivation. Without resorting to prior fragmented interventions, this reform prioritises sustaining local economies, ultimately paving the path for greater local development and improved living standards.

COUNCIL FUNDING CRISIS

Bristol Parents Face Year-Long Wait For Crucial SEND Assessments Amid Budget Cuts

Bristol parents face an average year-long wait for SEND assessments due to budget cuts, with just 3% finalised on time. This crisis reflects significant failures in local governance and the urgency for corrective measures. Increased investment in educational psychology is showing progress, yet systemic issues persist, necessitating national intervention.

SOCIAL CARE REORGANISATION

Adult Social Care Reorganisation Offers an Opportunity to Focus on Prevention

The proposed reorganisation of social care services in English local government aims to decentralise adult social care departments, emphasising prevention strategies and local community engagement as essential elements. District councils, with their strong community ties and focus on prevention, are seen as crucial to this reform, potentially improving care systems amidst rising demand and budget constraints. It highlights that the restructuring offers an opportunity to realign services to better reflect community needs without necessarily increasing scale.