Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

The report outlines the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme to be introduced from April 2017.

Schools Forum is asked to note the report.

Officer Contact: Peter Hughes on 0161 474 3947 or email peter.hughes@stockport.gov.uk.

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the Apprenticeship Levy Scheme to be introduced from April 2017.

The following comments were/ issues raised:-

·         Academies that were not part of a multi-academy chain would not have the levy applied to them if their total pay bill did not exceed the £3m threshold.

·         Subject to formal confirmation from central government that Voluntary Aided Schools would be treated as separate entities, it was estimated that none of the Stockport Voluntary Aided schools would exceed the £3m pay bill threshold.

·         The Head of Participation and Education Services had met with Primary and Secondary Head Consortiums to discuss the Apprenticeship Levy scheme.

·         Maintained schools would access the £15,000 through the Head of Participation and Education Services who would co-ordinate the commissioning arrangements.

·         Further clarification was sought regarding what the funding could be used for.

·         Any underspend in the training budget would go back to central government.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.