Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People and Economy, on the outcome of consultation on the proposal to re-profile the Dedicated School Grant (DSG).

At its meeting on 1 October 2015, the Board had agreed to a consultation with all primary and secondary schools and the Schools Forum, on proposals to re-profile the DSG to ensure that it could be balanced over the next two financial years. A consultation document was sent to all schools, seeking their preference to two possible options (Option A and Option B), as set out in the report.

Following discussions on the results of the consultation and the likely impact of each Option, the Schools Forum agreed to recommend approval of Option B to Executive Board.

Reason(s) for Decision

To ensure that there was a fair distribution of resources across the DSG and that the DSG was profiled so that its budget commitments were sustainable.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Consideration was given to reducing the schools budget by £1.8 million to balance the budget in 2016/17. However, the minimum funding guarantee would cap any reductions to 1.5%, i.e. approximately £863,000.

Implementation Date

1 April 2016.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the proposal to re-profile the DSG funding for 2016/17 and 2017/18 be approved; and

2)    Option B, as set out in the report, be supported.