Full Breakdown
Welsh Government Secures £60 million for Additional Learning Needs after Budget Standoff
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The £60 million ALN Funding Deal
A supplementary budget agreement between the Plaid Cymru administration and Welsh Labour will release £60 million for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) in the current financial year. Of this sum, £56 million is divided between schools (80 %) and local councils (20 %), with £1.5 million earmarked for a long-term sustainability plan and £2.5 million for the further-education sector. The money is intended to support roughly 3,500 learners in Caerphilly and, across Wales, about 40,000 pupils with ALN, equating to roughly £1,500 per student. The supplementary budget will be laid before the Senedd on Tuesday, October 13, and a full debate is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3.
Background & Context
Welsh Labour argued that extra special-educational-needs (SEND) spending in England generated £322 million that should flow to Wales. The party initially demanded £100 million for ALN services, rejecting a £40 million compromise offered by First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth. After three months of deadlock and angry Senedd scenes in July, the £60 million package was reached as a “first step” toward better funding.
Official Statements & Responses
Labour leader Ken Skates described the £60 million as a “welcome first step” but indicated negotiations will continue for additional funding. Cllr Jamie Pritchard of Caerphilly County Borough Council welcomed the injection, noting the pressures on parents, carers and staff.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What has emerged is a package that falls substantially short of that figure and asks schools to be grateful for receiving only a fraction of what should have been available to learners with additional needs.” — Welsh Education Minister
- “While we welcome extra support for additional learning needs provision, the Welsh Government is still sending millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money overseas while our public services suffer here at home.” — Darren Millar MS, leader of Reform Wales
