William Eichler 29 June 2017

Councils best placed to set school budgets, council chiefs tell Whitehall

Council chiefs have called on the Government to allow local authorities and schools to retain an element of flexibility over how schools funding is distributed locally.

The Local Government Association (LGA) says local authority leaders are supportive of the national funding formula but insisted Whitehall was incapable of setting 22,000 school budgets from the capital.

The Conservative Party’s manifesto stated no school would be worse off as a result of the national funding formula, and in the Queen’s Speech there was reassurance for a fair funding arrangement for all schools.

However, the LGA have raised concerns that a ‘strict application’ of the national formula would see councils lose their ability to work with head teachers, governors and schools forums to determine need in their local areas.

They also said councils were worried about the proposed changes to high needs funding, which will reduce council and school flexibility to make additional funding available where there are rising demand pressures for special educational needs and disability (SEND) support.

The association also called for three-year school budgets as opposed to annual, in order to help them better plan for spending pressures.

‘Currently, there is a real fear amongst councils that a strict national funding formula will not reflect local need and that children could potentially miss out on receiving the education they deserve.

‘This is particularly concerning for those with special educational needs and disability support as councils will no longer be able to make additional funding available under current plans.

‘The setting of school budgets works best when done at a local level, with councils working with head teachers, governors and schools forums to determine need and priorities.

‘The Government should allow councils to have some flexibility over how the national formula is implemented locally to ensure the widest possible success and acceptance.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner