Schools would be left in a “perilous and untenable” position if council plans to raid 11 per cent of their budgets to fill a £28.9 million high needs funding gap go ahead.
But Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) council said it would have to declare effective bankruptcy this year if its soaring dedicated schools grant (DSG) blackhole is not resolved.
It is one of five new councils in talks with the government over agreeing a “safety valve” bailout to help bring down their deficit – which is now expected to reach a cumulative £63.4 million by March this year.
Launched in 2021, the £1 billion programme sees 34 councils make sweeping reforms in exchange for government bailouts. However, they come with strict cost-saving measures attached.
