Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report provides the Committee with details of the impact of the 2018/19 funding settlement and the historical impact of underfunding on schools in Stockport.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Phil Beswick on Tel: 474 3832 or email: phil.beswick@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing members with an update on the impact of the 2018/2019 funding settlement including a commentary on the historical impact of underfunding for schools in Stockport.

The Cabinet Member for Education highlighted the following points detailed in the report:-

·         Whilst the DSG would increase by the equivalent on 0.5% per pupil from April 2018, with inflation currently at 3%, schools, high needs and early year’s blocks were facing annual real terms cuts of 2.5%

·         Until the time of the next planned general election in 2022, this could result in a real terms cut to schools budgets of 15%

·         Schools could be forced to cut more teachers and support staff to balance budgets.

·         Stockport’s Capital Budget for schools had been cut by more than £42m between 2010 and 2017.

·         During the period 2010-2018, Stockport has been the fifth lowest funded Local Authority in the country in terms of per pupil funding.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Councillors discussed the governance arrangements for decisions made in relation to the Capital Investment programme and questioned if any plans were being made for post 2020.

·         There was common agreement that the whole education sector was underfunded and that Stockport was particularly disadvantaged compared to other comparable authorities.

·         The risk to fulfilling statutory responsibilities relating to SEND requirements and the potential for tribunal cases against the Council.

·         In spite of requests to the Department for Education for the methodology used for the NFF, they had not been forthcoming. Concern was raised that decisions were being made based on historical information and data which was no longer relevant.

·         The retention of teachers, teacher’s pay and salary progression.

·         The role of the Schools Forum and the reasons why many primary schools are being prudent retaining positive budgets for future schools projects.

·         Concerns were raised in respect to the funding of special educational needs and Councillors asked that given the issues highlighted, the Corporate Director for People be requested to provide regular updates to the Committee.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.