The Department funds local authorities for support for children and young people with high needs through the dedicated schools grant. The number of local authorities reporting a deficit on their dedicated schools grant increased from five of 150 in 2014–15 to 94 of 149 in 2019–20. The total deficit, for local authorities reporting a deficit, was £675 million in 2019–20, an increase of £664 million since 2014–15. The main reason for the declining financial position is the increasing pressure many local authorities are facing from supporting children with SEND.50