A cash-strapped council has warned it will be “disadvantaged” if the government’s SEND deficits write-off grant does not reimburse its contributions to the controversial “safety valve” programme. Ministers are offering town halls a high needs stability grant, which will wipe out 90 per cent of SEND deficits accrued as of the end of March. In return, councils will need to take steps to implement the government’s SEND reforms. The previous government’s safety valve (SV) scheme, which saw deficit-riddled councils handed extra government funding in exchange for measures to reduce costs, came to an end in March. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.