Decision details

15.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services regarding the Council’s response to the National Funding for Schools consultation.

15.2     It was RESOLVED:

1)    to note the launch of the consultation on a National Funding Formula for Schools on 7 March, and that a response to the 25 questions was required;

2)    to approve the draft response (set out at Appendix 1 of the report), noting that it was submitted on 15 April under the caveat of being subject to approval by Lead Member, and noting the potential issues for the County Council (set out in paragraphs 2.16 to 2.23 of the report)

3)    to note that while it is not possible at this stage to quantify the impact of the government’s proposals (and that this is expected under Phase 2 of the consultation, expected later this year), there is inevitably a risk of reduced funding for the Local Authority and potentially some schools; and

4)    to note the background information and comparators on Dedicated Schools Grant and funding formula for the County Council (set out in Appendices 2 to 4 of the report)

Reason

15.3     The report identifies the key issues from the National Funding Formula for Schools consultation and proposed County Council response. It has also highlighted potential wider issues that will need to be considered as part of the proposed change to the national funding formula.