Agenda item

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which updated members on the government announcements about mainstream primary and secondary formula funding for 2021/22 and recommended that the Council continues to use a transitional formula next year, which will align the local formula with the National Funding Formula (for copy see file of minutes).

In moving the report, Councillor Napier commented it is clear that a significant injection of funding from government is required to help improve schools across the county.  Councillor Gunn added that whilst increases in funding are welcomed, how the funding for next year will flow through schools remains to be seen. 

She expressed concern that many schools will continue to struggle, as government funding over recent years has not met the cost pressures suffered by schools.  She explained that she had written to various government ministers pointing out the lack of capital investment, and, calling for schools to be properly funded, however, the responses received did not reflect the reality that schools in the county are facing, and, she hopes these issues will form part of the levelling-up agenda.

Councillor Gunn thanked all teachers, teaching assistants and school support staff for their excellent work, and, she also thanked children and young people and acknowledged the pressures they are facing, in these unprecedented times.

Resolved:

That the recommendation in the report be approved.