Greenwich will invest in a new primary school for children with special educational needs and reduce dependence on costly out-of-borough placements.

More than 100 local places will be provided for children with autism and complex needs, councillors said.

Schools across the borough are struggling with rising numbers of children with complex needs and have worked hard to keep them in mainstream education. To build on this, the Council is investing in a special school that would provide 112 places for children with severe autism and complex needs. Together with Rowan Wood Secondary School, it will create 250 special needs places in Greenwich, improving local access to education.

Cabinet member for finance Denise Hyland said: “Local authorities must deliver value for money and sustainable outcomes without straining existing budgets.”.

The Council plans to nearly double its community safety enforcement officers, fund two additional police officers, expand CCTV coverage with eight new mobile units and improve street lighting. These measures are meant to reduce antisocial behaviour, enhance safety in town centres and on housing estates and strengthen collaboration with local businesses.