Welsh Government accused of under-funding Additional Learning Needs

The Welsh Government is facing criticism over its management of funding for children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). At a Denbighshire County Council meeting, officials accused the government of failing to pass on consequential funding from the UK Government. While the UK Government provided approximately £340 million in additional funding for special educational needs in England, the Welsh Government opted not to distribute these funds directly to Welsh councils, citing its link to the write-off of historic debts in England.

Denbighshire councillors noted that statutory psychological advice requests have risen by 239% since 2023, placing significant pressure on schools despite local investments. Some councillors suggested that Denbighshire could have received between £7 million and £10 million had the full consequential funding been utilized.

Data from the Welsh Government indicates that local authorities have budgeted £764 million for ALN provision in 2026-27, a 14.4% increase from the previous year. Wrexham Council reported the largest percentage increase in budgeted expenditure, rising 46.1% to £36.5 million. Other councils, such as Neath Port Talbot, also reported significant double-digit increases in ALN spending.