Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People and the Corporate Director of Resources which provided an overview of maintained schools’ initial budget plans for 2020/21, as agreed by the relevant Governing Bodies.  The report highlighted where the Corporate Director of Resources had exercised judgement in terms of approving the setting of deficit budgets, in accordance with the Council’s constitution and the Scheme of Financing for Schools (for copy see file of minutes).

In moving the recommendations, Councillor Napier commented on the likelihood that schools will face increasing pressures in these uncertain times, saying the council will work closely to assist schools faced with financial concerns.

Councillor Gunn, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services, expressed her concern at school deficit budgets and acknowledged the challenges for schools in setting balanced budgets.  She emphasised the importance of providing continued support in order to ensure school budgets are effectively managed, particularly in the current climate.  She stated that she had written to education ministers on a number of occasions regarding school funding and she will continue to lobby government for fair and sustainable funding. 

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.

Councillor L Hovvels re-joined the meeting.

Councillor B Stephens left the meeting.