Agenda item

2018/19 Schools Funding Formula and Outcome of Consultation with Schools (Cab.7.2.2018/13)

Minutes:

The Achieving Potential Spokesperson explained that, since the agenda had been published, the Department for Education (DfE) had ruled on the proposal to transfer 1.5% of schools funding to the high needs block, which had not been supported by the Schools Forum (which had proposed a transfer of only 1%). The DfE’s ruling was to approve the reduced transfer amount proposed by the Schools Forum.

 

The meeting noted that this decision would lead to an ongoing annual deficit of c. £750k. The Achieving Potential Spokesperson explained that there was an ongoing dialogue with the DfE and schools to determine how this deficit could be addressed.

 

RESOLVED:-

 

(i)        that the Dedicated Schools Grant settlement for Barnsley’s schools for 2018/19 and the implementation of the new national funding formula from April 2018, as set out in the report now submitted, be noted;

 

(ii)       that the summary responses by schools and the Barnsley Schools Forum, to the recent consultation on the changes to the local schools funding formula and the transfer of funding to the high needs block, be noted;

 

(iii)      that, as a result of the above, the following be agreed:

 

(a)       the changes to the schools formula as set out in paragraph 6.2 of the report, subject to the amendment, following the decision by the DfE, that 1.0% of funding be transferred from schools to the high needs block (rather than 1.5% as set out within the report);

 

(b)       the proposed schools block budget for 2018/19 as summarised in Appendix 3 (subject to the amendment set out in a) above); and

 

(iv)      that the Executive Director People and Service Director Finance be authorised to make any changes required in line with the Department for Education’s decision.

Supporting documents:

 

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