Guest Article: WLGA
Local authorities have welcomed additional Welsh Government funding for school maintenance and free school meals but reiterated its call for an urgent solution to funding for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
In the new Welsh Government’s first Supplementary Budget, an extra £40m has been allocated to address the backlog of school buildings repairs. £15m has been made available to expand free school meals to eligible secondary school pupils.
However, the WLGA has also expressed concern that funding for ALN support is not keeping up with the demand. Around one-third of all council spending in Wales goes on schools, with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) costs rising sharply. ALN spending accounts for more than a quarter of all school budget pressures, with more than 70 per cent of ALN spending going directly to support learners. Councils say the growing complexity of need, alongside learner transport and workforce costs, is creating unsustainable financial strain.
Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA Education Spokesperson said:
“We welcome the extra funding announced recently which will go some way to help maintain and repair our school estate. We’re also pleased to see the funding for free school meal provision; no child deserves to go hungry, and this extra money will enable us to make sure children and young people can access the nutritious meals they need to learn, thrive and reach their potential.
“We know that funding for ALN provision is an enormous budgetary pressure with more than 60% of schools in some areas carrying negative balances. I therefore welcome a commitment from the Education Minister to discuss ALN funding pressures with a view to find a sustainable solution.”
Councillor Bryan Davies, WLGA Education Spokesperson said:
“I warmly welcome the announcement of this extra funding from the Welsh Government. This is a vitally important commitment in the 100 Days plan to help tackle the blight of poverty and inequality in all parts of the country.”
Councillor Mark Pritchard, WLGA Finance Spokesperson said:
“Let us be clear: the £40m announced by the Welsh Government won’t touch the sides of the estimated total backlog of over £500m needed to repair our schools.
Councils have already absorbed an ALN funding gap bigger than the consequential funding. This cannot continue. These are statutory responsibilities, driven by the complex needs of children and young people, and they cannot be left unfunded and absorbed into already overstretched council budgets.
“The inflationary pressures in ALN are growing at twice the rate of other budget areas and additional funding is urgently needed. Councils, schools and families are facing the impossible consequences of a system under growing strain. Without a clear and sustainable funding settlement for ALN, the pressure will only intensify, and it is children with the most complex needs who risk being let down. I urge the new Welsh Government to work with local government at pace to address this.”
