Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Education on the above.

Submitted, for information, the report of the Head of Education on the above and members were guided through thte contents by the Senior Manager Education Resources Service and noted that generally the balances of all Gwynedd schools had been reduced by £159,010 to £3,336.570 during 2015/16 this equated to 4.66% of the final allocation. 

            He expanded as follows that:

·         16 schools had a financial deficit to the value of £447,692  

·         11 primary schools had a total deficit of £96,263

·         4 Secondary schools had a total deficit of £297,238

·         1 Special School had a deficit of £54,191

            It was noted that primary school balances had been reduced for the first time since 2010.  Concern was expressed that the balances of some schools continued to be high although a plan had been adopted regarding the use of balances and it appeared that 14 primary schools and 5 secondary schools had balances over the £50,000 threshold (primary) or the £100,000 threshold (secondary).  However, there was a system to attend to this matter where a consistent pattern of retaining balances was seen and a discussion was on-going with one specific school.  In 2016/17 when the financial cuts would hit then it was expected that the balances would be reduced again. 

            In terms of schools in deficit, it was suggested that a report should be submitted to the next Forum meeting outlining the pattern of trends and action taken over the years with individual schools.

            In the context of school balances, concern was expressed regarding those schools that retain balances and accept additional protection.

            In response to the above, the Senior Manager Education Resources Service explained that the authority had a system of finding out were the schools' plans in terms of expenditure and schools had quite reasonable and fair plans.  What was difficult was when schools did not achieve these plans and it was hard for the authority to challenge them and consequently by the end of the following year they were in the same position in terms of the size of balances. 

            Resolved:         (i) Approve that the Education Department and the                              Finance Department: 

(a)  work closely together with schools with a financial deficit in order to ensure that they can clear the deficit as soon as possible. 

(b)  continue to monitor school budgets

                                    (ii) Request that the Finance Manager submits a report to the next Forum meeting outlining:

(a)  the trends and patterns over the years of individual schools that are in financial deficit.  

(b)  An addition to the above report highlighting those individual schools that have a balance surplus.