Issue - meetings

Report CEF21054

The report provided an outline of the estimated Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation for 2022/23 and an overview of how this would be spent.

The indicative Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding for 2022/23 had been provided to all Local Authorities – this was based on October 2020 pupil numbers and would be uplifted in December to reflect the October 2021 census data. The DSG for 2022/23 was divided into four blocks – High Needs, Early Years, Schools and Schools Central. The table below sets out the expected outcome:

The Local Authority (LA) had looked at each of the blocks and forecast the related expenditure for 2022/23 based on information currently available. Full details of the projected grant income and expenditure were set out in Appendix 1 of the report with information concerning each block provided in the body of the report.

The Forum noted that an update to Appendix 1 of the report had previously been circulated.

Introducing the report, the Head of Children, Education and Families Finance explained that the funding set out was indicative and further information and confirmation would be received in December 2021.  Whilst there had been an overall increase in grant, this was offset by increases in demand and expenditure across the board, particularly in High Needs.

Schools Central Block

The grant itself would reduce, a year-on-year reduction from DfE of approximately 2.5% overall.  The Council were continuing to contribute to support the central spend within the LA.  The intention was that there would be an additional £50k contribution from the Council resulting in an overall contribution of £460k.  It was anticipated that the block would be balanced.

Early Years Block

No data regarding the Early Years Block had been received.  The funding allocation allowed for £500k in the Early Years Block for Early Years High Needs provision.  It was anticipated that the block would be balanced.

In response to a question, the Head of CEF Finance confirmed that delays to receipt of information concerning Early Years funding occurred every year.  It was unlikely that information would be received until December 2021.

Schools’ Block

Figures were based on October 2020 census data and would be updated in due course.  There were some minor changes around the NFF although the LA had been following the NFF as far as possible.  The primary units of funding and secondar units of funding were increasing and this would feed into the grant allocation.  The LA was anticipating a MFG level from between 0.5% and 2% as suggested by DfE although this was subject to change.

Based on current information, 23 Primary Schools were eligible for minimum funding levels which accounted for about £1.7m, this being subject to change when actual funding and pupil numbers were used in the final  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18