Will the Cabinet Minister confirm what proportion of the Barnett consequentials arising from additional SEND funding in England will be allocated directly to schools and local authorities for additional learning needs provision in Wales?
Funding arising from changes to UK Government spending in England is applied to the Welsh block grant as a whole and forms part of the overall resources available to the Welsh Government. As such, it is not possible to identify a direct or proportionate allocation of specific Barnett consequentials, including those arising from additional SEND funding in England, to individual programmes, local authorities or schools in Wales.
It is an important principle of devolution that consequential funding is not ring-fenced for similar purposes in devolved governments but is used where it can have the greatest impact, taking into account the specific circumstances, pressures and priorities in Wales. These decisions are taken through the Welsh Government’s annual budget process.
Supporting learners with additional learning needs is a priority for this Government. As a Government, we will take action to begin restoring the system’s long-term sustainability after years of severe and sustained pressure.