FORMER council leader turned MP Vikki Slade has called on the new government to look into special educational needs funding for local government. 

The MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole said BCP Council is heading for a “financial emergency” due to cash flow issues related to SEND funding. 

BCP Council had a £35.8m deficit in the dedicated school grant funding in 2022/23 and there have been warnings that the council could become insolvent in 2026 if the matter is not resolved. 

In a letter to education secretary Bridget Phillipson, Mrs Slade said the lack of special needs funding is having a “significant impact on the financial sustainability of councils”. 

She said: “I call on your department to look carefully at the Safety Valve Programme in its entirety. At present, the programme is setting families against councils over funding for their child’s education and support for their health and wellbeing. 

"It is not the solution to the situation faced by councils, and you will be aware that the programme in Dorset Council has been suspended by the Department for Education.” 

Mrs Slade, who met with Ms Phillipson last week, asked to meet with the education secretary to discuss the circumstances at BCP Council.