Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People and Economy, on proposals to re-profile the Dedicated School Grant (DSG).

The Board was advised that the DSG was allocated annually based on the number of primary and secondary pupils, those in early years provision and those in receipt of high needs provision. This was then allocated to mainstream schools and academies in Halton using the funding formula calculated by the Local Authority Finance Team. It was noted that the estimated amount of grant for 2016/17 would be £101,572,789.

The report set out a summary of the funding challenges in balancing the DSG and the proposals to address the funding gap so as to ensure a sustainable and balanced DSG. The Budget Options for Special Schools Funding, Options A and B were detailed for Members’ consideration. It was further noted that permission was sought to consult the Schools Forum on the proposals to re-profile the DSG funding for 2016/17 and 2017/18.

Reason(s) for decision

To ensure that there was a fair distribution of resources across the DSG and that the DSG was profiled so that its budget commitments were sustainable.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Consideration was given to reducing schools budget by £1.8m to balance the budget in 2016/17, however, the minimum funding guarantee would cap any reductions to 1.5%, i.e. approximately £863,000.

Implementation Date

1 April 2016.

RESOLVED: That

1)          the proposal to consult with the Schools Forum on the proposal to re-profile the DSG funding for 2016/17 and 2017/18 be approved;

2)          Option B be supported;

3)          the proposal to review and revise the top up funding for special schools within the Borough, to bring the funding in line with the available budget be supported; and

4)          a further report on the outcome of the consultations be brought to a future meeting of Executive Board.