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5 Oct 99

SCHOOL BUDGETS

A report identifying a reduction in the number of Poole Schools with budget deficits will be considered by Councillors at the Borough of Poole's Education Committee today.

At the end of 1997/98, fourteen schools in the Borough had budget deficits. In 1998/99 the figure halved, with only seven schools in deficit. In addition, the Borough of Poole's school balances increased from £49,000 in 1997/98 to £570,000 in 1998/99.

Cllr Mrs Annette Brooke, Chairman of the Education Committee, said: "Overall finances in Poole's schools have improved significantly over the last year. Since becoming a Unitary Authority in 1997, our first priority has been investment in our Schools. By campaigning for Fair Funding and working to secure additional money from Government initiatives such as the New Deal, we have gained much needed funding. However, our schools still receive less funding in comparison to other Local Authorities and we will continue working to secure the money our schools deserve".

Of the seven schools currently in deficit, five are expected to be in credit during 1999/2000, with all schools in credit by the end of 2001/2002.

Reasons for the reduction include:

· The Borough of Poole's Fair Funding Campaign for additional resources backed by the Daily Echo
· All new Education funding passed directly to schools
· Three year school financial plans predicting income and likely needs
· Decisions by Headteachers and Governing Bodies on the most cost effective ways of running schools resulting in better value for money
· The work and continued effort of teaching and non-teaching staff to ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently

Vic Sandel, Head of Education Policy & Planning, said: "The majority of schools now have sufficient working balances to enable them to meet any unforeseen circumstances. This will mean they will be able to face the year without the prospect of budget deficits and we will continue to work with them to help plan for the future".

vic sandel - tel 01202 633073