The Business Advisor (Schools) will present a follow up report, Document GY, which asks Forum Members to further consider the position of the funding of Schools and Early Years Block central and de-delegated items from the DSG in 2017/18, following the initial discussion in the meeting of 19 October 2016.

Members are asked to take a decision on the position of the funding of the Fischer Family Trust subscription in 2017/18.

Recommended –

(1)       That Members be asked to note the information and to consider whether any further information is needed to enable final recommendations to be taken on 11 January 2017 on the funding of centrally managed and de-delegated Early Years and Schools Block items in 2017/18.

(2)       That Members be asked to take a decision on the position of the funding of the Fischer Family Trust subscription.

(Andrew Redding – 01274 432678)

The Business Advisor (Schools) presented a report, Document GY, which asked Forum Members to further consider the position of Schools and Early Years Block central and de-delegated items from the DSG in 2017/18, following the initial discussion in the meeting of 19 October 2016.

The Business Advisor explained that Members are asked for a steer, prior to final decisions to be made on 11 January, on whether any Member disagrees with any of the recommendations set out in the report on the continuation or cessation of funds, or whether Members need further information on any of these. He explained that it will be helpful for secondary maintained Forum members to give a specific steer on de-delegation in 2017/18 for the maternity and paternity insurance scheme in the secondary phase, responding to the concerns regarding the financial viability of this fund that are set out in the report (the loss of critical mass). The Business Advisor also highlighted for Members the outline proposal to hold a sum to be used for meeting the cost of deficit budget of primary sponsored academies.

It was explained that most of the report was presented only for further information and to gain a steer (to inform decisions to be taken in January). However, it would be helpful for the Forum to take a decision on the position of the funding of the Fischer Family Trust (FFT) subscription in 2017/18, if possible.

Members made the following comments and asked the following questions on funds other that FFT (focused on the maternity reimbursement scheme):

• That the maternity reimbursement insurance scheme does look to be financial unviable for the secondary phase.
• That if the maternity scheme is ceased for the secondary phase consideration needs to be given about appropriate timing of exit from this (recognising existing commitments).
• In responding to the explanation that the Authority does not currently broker supply insurance arrangements for schools, a Member expressed disappointment that the Local Authority is not prepared to negotiate a District-wide agreement for maternity insurance across schools. Another Member expressed concern about the implications for the cessation of the maternity scheme for smaller schools. It was clarified that cessation is only currently under consideration for the secondary phase and that there are commercial alternatives. It was also clarified that de-delegation is a Schools Forum decision.

The Forum engaged in a rather complicated debate about the subscription to Fischer Family Trust, with a need for clarification on some aspects of the contractual position. From this discussion, Primary maintained members voted in favour (3 out of 3) and secondary members voted against (2 out of 2) the continuation of de-delegation in 2017/18 to subscribe to Fischer Family Trust (FFT) data. However, prior to a final decision, it was agreed that clarification is sought on the contractual and cost position where the primary and secondary phases are not in agreement. The Vice Chair also stated that she wished to further consult with BPIP regarding the decision to be made for the primary phase.

Resolved –

Primary maintained members voted in favour (3 out of 3) and secondary members voted against (2 out of 2) the continuation of de-delegation in 2017/18 to subscribe to Fischer Family Trust (FFT) data. Prior to a final decision on FFT subscription for 2017/18, to be taken on 11 January, that clarification is sought on the position where the primary and secondary phases are not in agreement about de-delegation. The Vice Chair is to further consult with BPIP regarding the decision for the primary phase.