Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 23
23
We asked whether the Department was confident that the falling rolls fund had sufficient resources...
Conclusion
We asked whether the Department was confident that the falling rolls fund had sufficient resources to help all the schools that might need support. The Department replied that there were mechanisms for the funding to vary according to local need and the context in a particular area.33 It also highlighted that it collected data every year from local authorities, at local planning area level across the country and forecasting years into the future, for the basic need and capital funding systems. It had a regular dialogue with the local authorities that were experiencing the biggest demographic changes and funding pressures.34 32 Q 62 33 Q 63 34 Qq 64–66 School Funding 13 2 Progress on departmental initiatives Review of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
5.4 Local authorities may set aside some of their Dedicated School Grant (DSG) schools block funding for falling rolls funds. These are intended to support good and outstanding schools with falling rolls where local planning data show that surplus places will be needed with the next three financial years. The decision on whether to have falling rolls funds, and the value of these funds, is subject to local discretion and agreement from the local schools forum.