But leaders also warned that while chancellor Rachel Reeves has said the costs will be borne by the Department for Education in the future, it does nothing to address the council's deficit - currently forecast at £180m.

Andrew Jamieson (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Andrew Jamieson, deputy leader at Conservative-controlled County Hall and cabinet member for finance, has repeatedly warned the money it gets from the government to support children with high needs is outstripped by soaring demand.

Ms Reeves' budget confirmed the costs will be absorbed by the Department for Education from 2028/29, although questions remain about how that will be funded.

A long-awaited reform of the SEND system has been postponed until the new year and Mr Jamieson said that was needed to give clarity over what would happen to the current deficit.

He also said councils needed to know what would happen over other associated SEND costs such as home to school........

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