Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

The report provides a general update to Schools on the current and projected financial position of the LTS Scheme as at September 2019 considering the 2018-2019 deficit position.

Schools Forum members are requested to

a)    Note the above report;

b)   Provide agreement that this further analysis is acceptable.

c)    Provide agreement regarding the proposed review for the 2020-2021 operating period.

Officer contact: Sarah Cook Tel 0161 474 4030 Email: sarah.cook@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) which provided members with a general update on the current and projected financial position of the LTS Scheme as at September 2019 considering the 2018-2019 deficit position.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         A discussion took place relating to communication/discussion with schools ahead of the 2020/21 scheme.  The Scheme is highly valued by schools and it is vital the scheme is maintained and viable.

·         Members of the Forum questioned how the scheme would impact schools who had staff off on long term sickness.

·         Members of the Forum asked if the cap was to be reviewed.  In response, the Forum was advised that a review would take place ahead of the 2020/21 period as it was felt that the implications of the cap needed to be made clear to schools.

·         The Forum considered that the scheme provided good value for money compared with commercial providers.

RESOLVED (a)        That the report be noted.

                        (b)       That the analysis provided be accepted.

                        (c)        That the arrangements regarding the proposed review for the 2020/2021 operating period be accepted.

                        (d)       That a short survey is undertaken with schools ahead of 2020/2021 to ascertain if the capping element is retained.

                        (e)       That officers arrange a survey and further communication to schools ahead of the 2020/2021 scheme implementation and report back to Schools’ Forum members in January 2020.