Government agrees write off of Central Beds and Herts SEND debts, freeing up millions

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

TUESDAY 6^th OCTOBER 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern has welcomed confirmation that the Government will write off 90% of historic Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) deficits held by Hertfordshire and Central Bedfordshire councils, freeing up millions of pounds for frontline support for children and young people.

The agreement follows months of engagement with ministers and officials to make the case that Government should sign off debt relief for Hertfordshire and Central Bedfordshire councils.  

The decision will reduce the combined SEND-related debts of Hertfordshire and Central Bedfordshire by more than £140 million, while also ending the need for millions of pounds to be spent on interest payments each year. The councils will now be freer to invest in supporting families and improving services, rather than paying the costs of historic borrowing.

The move is expected to provide councils with greater financial stability while allowing more money to be invested directly in SEND services, helping address growing demand for specialist support.

Alistair Strathern said:

"This is a major win for local families and for young people who rely on SEND support.

"For too long, councils have been forced to divert scarce resources towards the costs of historic SEND borrowing while many families have been struggling to access the support their children need.

"Writing off 90% of these historic deficits will release significant resources that can now be directed towards improving provision, reducing pressures on services, and helping ensure that children and young people get the support they deserve.

"I want to thank everyone who has worked with me to make the case for this change. I will now be holding our local councils to account to ensure that this

opportunity results in better outcomes for families across our communities."