Issue - meetings

Report CEF19024

The reported provided an outline of the final Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation for 2020/21 and an overview of how funding would be spent. 

The expected income from the DSG, divided into the four blocks, was

Each of the four blocks had been reviewed and the related expenditure for 2020/21 forecasted based on information currently available.  Full details of the projected grant income and expenditure were included at Appendix 1 of the report.  In summary, the Schools Central Block was showing a £360k overspend, which was proposed to be met by a contribution from the Council to offset the deficit.  The Early Years block remained balanced, despite a slight decrease in income, the Schools Block remained balanced, and the High Needs Block was showing a £1,100,000 underspend which would be carried forward to offset funding pressures in future years.

The Committee noted that there were strict eligibility criteria for the Falling Rolls fund and if pupil numbers remained static in a school it would not be considered a falling rolls school.

In relation to High Needs Funding, Members noted that there was an expectation that further funding would be received from central government as a result of the numbers and funding arrangements.  However, the Portfolio Holder stressed the need for schools and the Local Authority to work together to deal with future funding pressures.

RESOLVED: That the Portfolio Holder be recommended to approve the Dedicated Schools Grant allocation and the methodology of its distribution.