The Welsh Government and Welsh Labour have reached an agreement providing an additional £60 million for additional learning needs (ALN) in 2026–27.
The agreement allows the Government’s Second Supplementary Budget to proceed after its previous proposals were rejected by the Senedd in July.
The funding will be allocated as follows:
| Allocation | Funding |
|---|---|
| Direct funding for schools | £44.8m |
| Local authorities | £11.2m |
| Further education through Medr | £2.5m |
| Long-term ALN sustainability plan | £1.5m |
| Total | £60m |
The wider supplementary budget also restores previously proposed spending on the NHS, childcare and free school meals.
The budget has been laid before the Senedd but has not yet been approved. It is scheduled for debate on 3 November.
Why it matters: This is a substantial intervention in the financial pressures facing Welsh schools, colleges and councils. The immediate question is how quickly funding will reach providers and whether it will address growing demand for ALN services.
