Issue - meetings

To consider a report from Tom Easterbrook, Schools Forum Officer, School Finance and Support Team, Commissioning and Partnerships, People – Children Directorate

For Approval

To consider a report from Tom Easterbrook, Schools Forum Officer, Schools, Finance and Support, Commissioning and Partnerships, People – Children Directorate

For Approval

Key points of discussion

Forum received a report outlining the results from the annual review of the Scheme for Financing Schools consultation. Two amendments were proposed as part of the consultation.

The first amendment reflects updated national guidance on energy provision. It clarified that, where a maintained school enters a contract with the Secretary of State for energy services, Dorset Council may recover unpaid bills from the school’s budget share. This would only be actioned following due diligence by the local authority and confirmation of the circumstances surrounding the non-payment. The amendment ensures compliance with national expectations, although no Dorset schools are currently using this scheme.

The second amendment is a local clarification arising from recent audit work. It confirmed that all maintained schools are required to follow Dorset Council’s Chart of Accounts, including by confirming the prohibition of internal trading codes ensuring consistency in financial reporting and alignment with statutory obligations.

A member sought clarity regarding the inclusion of schools that had converted to academy status in Appendix A of the scheme document. Officers confirmed that this would be corrected prior to publication.

Another member referenced a recent news article concerning local authority restrictions on the use of school funds for gifts paid for using the school budget. The member queried whether Dorset Council had similar guidance in place, particularly in relation to farewell gifts and hospitality. Officers confirmed that while the school budget must not be used to purchase gifts, reasonable hospitality , such as lunch provided during a training day,is permitted. It was agreed that existing guidance would be reviewed and re-circulated to schools for clarity.

The Forum was informed that, of all responses received during the consultation period, only one raised an objection, specifically in relation to the energy provision amendment. This response had been considered and addressed in the accompanying paper.

Maintained school members agreed to the proposed changes unanimously

Actions:

 2025/01