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"Greater financial certainty and a simpler funding system are important, but council finances remain under severe pressure."

An independent report on rising needs in children under five commissioned by the Local Government Association has found councils and early years providers are consistently seeing an increase in volume and complexity of need.

"The rise in the number requests for high-cost care for younger working age people is a message to us all, that social care is about everyone and effects all of us, directly or indirectly."

“While it is positive government has committed to absorbing the costs of SEND spending from 2028/29 – and we look forward to clarity on how this will be funded – this does not address existing deficits, which are pushing many councils to the financial brink."

"Any additional funding raised through the council tax system must be available to support local authorities"

"While funding levels have increased in recent years, councils will be rightly anxious that today’s Budget does not provide the increase in funding they desperately need to ensure their financial sustainability, protect services, support local communities, and address national priorities."

"Councils want to work with government to reduce child poverty and are pleased to see action that supports families who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet. "

Dennis Skinner will retire on 31 December 2025 after 22 years of exceptional leadership within the IDeA and LGA.

"Councils are ready to play their part in delivering this national action plan through council-commissioned sexual health clinics, close partnership working, and developing their own locally tailored HIV plans."

“It is right and important that children and families have access to support for SEND in the areas they live and we support measures that work towards that provision.