To note the Council’s response to the DfES consultation paper (response deadline 13th May) and to determine whether Cabinet wishes to add any further comments in a supplementary letter.

THAT (a)  the technical response be noted; and

(b) a further letter be sent based upon the Local  Government Association leaflet “don’t fence us in!” on behalf of Herefordshire Council.

The Council’s response has focused primarily upon the technicalities of school funding as set out in the consultation paper and specifically drawing attention to concerns about the reliability of forecasting pupil numbers over a three year period and the proposal to base school budgets on forecasted numbers with the likelihood of a year end clawback. Herefordshire schools have consistently wanted certainty of funding and this is reflected in the LMS formula.

It is for Cabinet to determine whether further comment is necessary on implications for local government and local democracy.

N/A