BARROW and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham is urging the government to address the unfair funding formulas for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision which are disadvantaging areas like Barrow and Furness.
In a letter to education secretary Bridget Philipson the MP outlines how the Barrow and Furness area has been let down by the funding formula for the High Needs Block which is given to local authorities.
Mrs Scrogham argues that the formula inherited from the previous government puts too much weight on historic spending, disadvantaging areas which have promoted inclusivity and support for pupils with SEND within mainstream settings.
She also highlights the elevated levels of deprivation and complex needs of children in Barrow and Furness.
In her letter to the cabinet minister Mrs Scrogham states: “I write first to express my support for the government’s strong commitment to inclusive education and improving outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
“The increased investment in school funding, including the High Needs Block, is both welcome and vital.
“In advance of the much-anticipated white paper on SEND provision, I am writing to ask if you will please review the High Needs Block formula which is disadvantaging areas like ours.
“In our area 70 per cent of our children and young people with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) are educated in mainstream schools, compared with 42 per cent nationally.
“Our high needs allocation remains among the lowest in the country – ranked 13th lowest out of 151 local authorities. In 2025/2026 we will receive just £807 per child and young person aged from two to 18 years old.
“By comparison Sutton (Surrey) – whose EHCP cohort is only marginally larger – receives £1,258 per pupil and a total allocation of £59m, more than double our £27m.”
Her letter continues: “The situation is particularly acute in Barrow where EHCP rates are 6.7 per cent – substantially higher than the national average of 4.8 per cent – and where deprivation and complex needs are high.
“Yet despite these needs, our area receives some of the lowest per-pupil SEND funding in the country.
“I would therefore like to ask that you commit to reviewing the historic spend element from the high needs block funding formula and look at other measures that will deliver a fairer formula based on current need.”
