Agenda item

REVENUE BUDGET STRATEGY CONSULTATION 2020/21 to 2022/23

Minutes:

The Head of Financial Services gave an overview of the Revenue Budget Strategy 2020/21 to 2022/23 and drew Members’ attention to the main points of the Provisional Settlement detailed at 2.3 within the report and advised that the Final Settlement was not due to be published until the 25th February 2020. Members were also asked to note the updates at 2.5 in relation to Welsh Government Service Specific Grants and the impact of the Teachers Pensions Employer Contribution noted at 3.2.4.

 

Members raised the following matters/questions in relation to the report –

 

In response to a question relating to the budget monitoring for the current financial year (page 132) and the School Delegated Budget overspend, the Head of Education and Inclusion noted that there had been a series of meetings over the last few months with Primary and Secondary Schools. In relation to Primary Schools, he advised that because of the meetings Governing Bodies were more aware of the level of budget cuts required, and in some cases whether their provision was sustainable in the longer term. Additional support had been given to schools facing a significant deficit. Meetings with Secondary Schools had also been very constructive and financial plans were currently being reviewed by the Group Accountant to identify further efficiencies.

 

Members raised concerns regarding the funding of smaller rural schools and the disadvantages faced in relation to the funding formula and Additional Learning Needs funding. The Director of Education and Children’s Services advised that there were opportunities for Governing Bodies to respond to this matter as part of the current Budget Consultation should they wish to do so. However, the reality of the current situation was that funding for all schools was tight and there wasn’t enough funding available to sustain 110 schools. In relation to the formula for ALN funding, the Director advised that there were significant changes ahead in the way ALN provision would be funded and that there would challenging times for all schools in relation to the transition.

 

Further to the previous point, Members noted that the term ‘rationalisation’ appeared several times within the report and referenced relative savings. Clarification was sought on the number of schools facing possible closure in relation to rationalisation. The Head of Access to Education advised that at present a reduction of between 15 and 20 schools was being considered with 10 proposals currently under review. To realise these efficiencies, the rationalisation would need to begin in 2020/21 for the budget saving to be realised in 2021/22.

 

Members referenced Education and Child Psychology and the proposed reduction in the number of Education and Child Psychologists. The Head of Education and Inclusion advised that future changes to ALN provision would transfer some of the work from this department to Inclusion Services. There was no expectation that the reduction would impact on the ongoing work of the department, and grant funding would be utilised where possible to maintain enough support.

 

RESOLVED to receive the report and the Charging Digest contained within.

 

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