Issue - meetings

 Purpose

To provide the Cabinet Member with an update on the latest developments in respect of the future school revenue funding arrangements for the financial year 2021-22 onwards.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member:

(1)  Note the Department for Education's proposed changes to school revenue funding arrangements for 2021-22 as set out in this report.

(2)  Approve the proposals for implementing the local funding formula arrangements as set out in this report; in particular to:

·         Implement the National Funding Formula rates for both primary and secondary schools in in 2021-22, as set out in Appendix 1;

·         Implement a minimum funding guarantee (MFG) of at least +0.5% and up to +2.0% subject to affordability, for 2021-22 as set out in paragraphs 5.16

·         The method of managing affordability as set out in paragraph 5.17.

·         Implement the disapplication request as set out in section 6.

The report was introduced by Angela Mann, Finance Manager. 

In response to a question from the Cabinet Member, Angela Mann explained that the early years funding is based on the previous January census but things are different this year due to COVID-19.  Officers had been told that for next year's allocation it is anticipated that the numbers will be lower and they are going to use January 2020 numbers to assess the funding.  Angela added that she believed numbers were reducing and the count will take place during the October half term. 

DECISIONS: the Cabinet Member:

(1)  Noted the Department for Education's proposed changes to school revenue funding arrangements for 2021-22 as set out in this report.

(2)  Approved the proposals for implementing the local funding formula arrangements as set out in this report; in particular to:

·         Implement the National Funding Formula rates for both primary and secondary schools in in 2021-22, as set out in Appendix 1;

·         Implement a minimum funding guarantee (MFG) of at least +0.5% and up to +2.0% subject to affordability, for 2021-22 as set out in paragraphs 5.16

·         The method of managing affordability as set out in paragraph 5.17.

·         Implement the disapplication request as set out in section 6.