Agenda item

Coral Miller presented a paper proposing that the £998k underspend be distributed to schools on pupil numbers nett of any monies owed by individual schools relating to a pensions deficit.

There was discussion about the pensions aspect of this, particularly because it was evident from Members present that the figures for pensions were inaccurate in a number of cases. This included St Bernard’s, for example, which should not be on the list as owing any monies as this had already been paid.

It was noted that Schools Forum makes it clear that no money can be taken from the DSG in future to support such an issue and that this is a matter between schools and the LA.  Members of the Forum requested that the arrangements for 2015/16 be clarified and assurances given that this matter would be dealt with differently and that the information provided to schools directly should be clear and timely.

JC stated that the only issue for the Schools Forum was the £998k figure and this was correct and not liable to change.

Schools Forum agreed that the £998k be redistributed along with an indication to the individual schools concerned, which have a pensions liability, that they have such a liability, informing them of the sum (once accuracy is confirmed) and that they will be separately billed for that amount.

CM confirmed she would send a letter out to schools.