The Department for Education has requested changes to the council’s local scheme for managing schools. Schools Forum is asked to approve the changes.

The schools finance manager explained the changes required to the scheme. In discussing the changes forum members noted that five year forecasts would always include a number of unknowns, such as future rates of inflation and pay, but these longer term forecasts were nevertheless felt to be useful.  

It was resolved that the following changes be approved to the scheme:

a)     Revision to Para 2.3.1 (a) “Each school must submit a five-year budget forecast each year by 1 June. In exceptional circumstances this may be extended to 30 June on request; and

b)     4.9 Licensed Deficits and recovery plans – new paragraph 4.9b – “ Schools must submit a recovery plan to the local authority when their revenue deficit rises above 5% at 31 March of any year. The 5% deficit threshold will apply when deficits are measured as at 31 March 2021.

Only schools members were eligible to vote on this item.