TO: LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
DATE: 18 JANUARY 2022
LOCAL AUTHORITY PROPOSALS FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOLS,
CENTRAL SCHOOL SERVICES and early years BLOCK ELEMENTS
OF THE SCHOOLS BUDGET
Executive Director: People
1 PURPOSE OF REPORT
1.1 The purpose of this report is to seek agreement from the Leader of the Council to set the 2022-23 Schools, Central School Services and Early Years Block elements of the Schools Budget based on recommendations made by the Schools Forum.
2 RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1 That the Leader of the Council AGREES the recommendations proposed for the 2022-23 budget by the Schools Forum in respect of:
a. the Schools Block and Central School Services Block budgets and funding arrangements, as set out in paragraph 3.1 of Appendix A, and
b. the Early Years Block budget and funding arrangements, as set out in paragraph 2.1 of Appendix B
3 REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 To ensure that relevant elements of the 2022-23 Schools Budget are set in accordance with the views of schools, other providers of education, the Schools Forum, the funding framework and the available level of resources.
4 ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED
4.1 These have been considered during the budget consultation stage and previous reports to the Schools Forum.
5 SUPPORTING INFORMATION
5.1 Whilst spending on the Schools Budget is funded by the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), and therefore outside of the Council’s funding responsibilities, Local Authorities (LA) retain a legal duty to set the overall level of the Schools Budget before the start of each financial year. In deciding the relevant amount, LAs must plan to spend at least to the level of estimated DSG and can also take account of any accumulated under or overspending on the Schools Budget from previous years.
5.2 At its meeting of 14 December 2021, the Executive agreed that the 2022-23 Schools Budget should be set at the eventual level of grant income plus any accumulated balances in the Schools Budget together with up to £0.182m of council funding to help meet the cost pressure arising from new and expanded schools. The Executive also agreed that the Leader of the Council would be authorised to make amendments and agree budgets for schools and services centrally managed by the Council.
5.3 Appendix A presents the proposals expected to be agreed by the Schools Forum on 13 January in respect of Schools and Central School Services Block elements of the DSG. Appendix B presents the proposals expected to be agreed in respect of the Early Years Block element of the Schools Budget. Should the Forum agree any recommendations outside those contained on the attached appendix, a verbal update will be provided when this decision is considered.
5.4 Budget decisions taken by the council have always been in accordance with the wishes of the Schools Forum, and the recommendations on this paper maintain that position.
5.5 Detailed proposals in respect of the High Needs are expected to be presented for a decision in March. This approach reflects the different timescales that relevant budget and costing information becomes available and the workplan associated with the High Needs Block. A delay in making this decision will allow for the most up to date information to be considered and the setting of a more robust budget.
6 ADVICE RECEIVED FROM STATUTORY AND OTHER OFFICERS
Borough Solicitor
6.1 The relevant legal provisions are contained within the main body of the relevant Schools Forum reports.
Director of Finance
6.2 The financial implications arising from this report are set out within the supporting information of the relevant School Forum reports and present a budget that can be funded from the overall level of anticipated resources.
Equalities Impact Assessment
6.3 There are no specific impacts arising from this report.
Strategic Risk Management Issues
6.4 These are contained within the main body of the relevant Schools Forum reports.
Climate Change Implications
6.5 These are contained within the main body of the relevant Schools Forum reports.
7 CONSULTATION
Principal Groups Consulted
7.1 Schools, the Schools Forum
and People Directorate Management Team.
Method of Consultation
7.2 Formal consultations and written documents.
Representations Received
7.3 Set out in reports to the Schools Forum.
Background Papers
None.
Contact for further information
Paul Clark, Finance Business Partner - People 4054
Doc. Ref
Doc. Ref https://bfcouncil.sharepoint.com/sites/fina/bpm/FIBPSCB-FIN9.6/Schools Forum/Exec Member Reports/2022-23 SB CSSB and EY Block Element of the Schools Budget v1 for Leader.docx
Approved by Cllr Paul Bettison Approved by Grainne Siggins
Leader of the Council Executive Director: People
Signature
Signature……………………………
Date: 18 January 2022 Date: 18 January 2022
