Agenda item

DSG Budget Deficit Recovery Plan

Minutes:

The Recovery Plan paper had been compiled by Vikram Hansrani and, in his absence, Nic Barani would give an overview. It was noted that the Plan had been submitted to the ESFA, who were reviewing all such LA reports, in order to work with High Needs teams across the country to reduce deficits.  A 3-year period had originally been given to bring deficits into balance but the ESFA understood the pressure on a number of LAs and had extended the timeline to 7 years.  The ESFA were to allocate a specialist to each LA, who would monitor recovery plans and work closely with LAs to make efficiency savings. 

 

The deficit breakdown from 2014-15 showed an underspend of £1.05m moving to an overspend of £8.3m. It was explained it would be difficult to reduce the deficit, due to increased demand which had not been matched by funding.  Appendix 1 of the Report outlined some of the efficiency saving strategies the LA planned to make whilst trying to continue to meet need. 

 

It was pointed out that an increased number of parents were now going to SEND tribunals, which was creating additional pressures for all those involved.  It was added that on costs to schools continued to rise, although per pupil funding had not increased in five years which was impacting on Special schools.  More detail was requested on the re-aligning of Resource Base provision and how Schools Forum might challenge such plans: the running costs of a Resource Base had not changed, and it was agreed this issue would be raised through the High Needs Task Group.  It was also agreed it would be informative to know how the number of EHC Plans in the Borough compared with other authorities.

 

It was noted that in the Autumn term, the LA would be approaching Schools Forum to request a reassignment of £93,000 from the High Needs Block to Early Years (regarding the Early Years Inclusion Fund) along with a request for a transfer of £700,000 (0.5%) from Schools Block to the High Needs Block in year 3 (2020/21).

 

Neil Wilcox and Nic Barani would clarify whether the historic £184,000 related to the PFI Contribution for Arbour Vale.

 

Schools Forum appreciated the collaborative working approach from SBC Officers on this issue.

 

9.00am: Kathleen Higgins left the meeting

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