Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

The report provides Schools’ Forum members with details of the 2020/21 budget setting requirements, plans and indicative timeline.

The report discusses the local options and overall construction of the 2020/21 total Schools Budget financed by deployment of the dedicated schools grant (DSG).

Schools Forum members are asked to:

a)    Note the report;

b)   Offer any comments; and

c)    Give a view/approve a further 0.5% transfer from schools’ block to high needs

Officer contact: Peter Hughes Telephone 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) which provided Schools’ Forum members with details of the 2020/21 budget setting requirements, plans and indicative timeline.  The report also discussed the local options and overall construction of the 2020/21 total Schools Budget financed by deployment of the dedicated schools grant (DSG).

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         A representative of the Borough Treasurer outlined the key elements of the budget planning cycle/process relating to the construction of the four blocks within the DSG and the uncertainty faced at present due to awaiting the further detail of funding announcements for 2020/21 and the impact this will have locally.

·         De-delegation matters will be finalised via school representatives and a final formal decision to be reported back at the December meeting of the Schools’ Forum.

·         If the Local Authority are to seek any transfer from the schools’ block in 2020/21 a formal consultation will be launched (estimate mid-late October) and a final decision made via an additional Schools Forum meeting to be held on Tuesday 26 November 2019.

RESOLVED (a)        That the report be noted.

                        (b)       That de-delegation matters be discussed with wider colleagues ahead of the December meeting of the Schools’ Forum and

                        (c)        That Schools Forum members earmark Tuesday 26 November 2019 in their diaries in case a meeting is required.