School Budgets Impact of Inflation 2022-07-04
2022-07-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Inflation is affecting UK schools, prompting concerns about budget adequacy.
School funding increased by £4 billion this year, but rising costs continue to affect schools. What assessment has been made regarding the impact of inflation on school budgets?
This year core school funding increased by £4 billion, a 7% per pupil boost in cash terms. I recognise the pressure that rising inflation has created. We are considering what further support we can provide schools to reduce their costs and will continue investing in resource management tools.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify how the Department assesses the impact of inflation on school budgets specifically, only general statements about rising costs and funding increases.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Hall Road Primary School, built in the 1920s, faces rising energy costs and needs emergency funding or a new school building.
I visited Hall Road Primary School where the headteacher reported significant energy cost increases. Can the Minister meet me to discuss potential emergency funding for the school and support for building a new one?
The school rebuilding programme will make announcements about schools that need it. I would be happy to meet the right hon. Lady to hear more about Hall Road Primary School's conditions. Investing in aging buildings is important, and we will continue supporting schools where they can spend to save.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to meeting or providing emergency funding directly; only general statements on investment and support.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Headteachers report significant increases in staffing, gas, and electricity costs due to inflation.
Local headteachers face rising energy and staffing costs. One asked whether they should cut mental health services or teaching staff. What would the Minister like me to say to that headteacher?
We are investing £4 billion in schools, a 7% per pupil increase. Our Department helps schools manage costs through resource management tools and energy deals support to reduce non-teaching expenses.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific dilemma headteachers face or provide guidance; only mentioned general cost-saving measures.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Schools are limiting healthy meal options due to budget constraints caused by inflation.
Due to inflation, schools limit healthy meal options. The Minister for Children and Families said it is up to schools to manage their budgets. Is that the best the Government can offer?
School funding increased by £4 billion this year, a 7% boost per pupil. Our national formula targets funding to areas of deprivation with an FSM factor and additional allocation through deprivation factors increasing by £225 million or 6.7% next year.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific issue of school meals, only provided general information on funding increases and deprivation targeting.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
There are not enough secondary school places for children in the TS6 postcode area of Teesside.
Will the Minister work with me to ensure there are sufficient secondary school places for young people in the TS6 area over the next few years?
The Department provides funding to local authorities for additional places when needed. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions or timelines; only offered a meeting.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Colleges in the constituency cannot claim back VAT on supplies and services, unlike academies.
Will the Minister speak with officials to consider allowing colleges to claim back VAT on supplies and services?
My hon. Friend's Minister for Skills will take up this issue. As Minister for Schools Standards, I want our educational estate to invest effectively in the future.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific action on VAT reclaim; only referenced another minister's potential involvement.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Energy prices are doubling, putting children's learning at risk.
Will the Minister publish the results of his Department's survey on school experiences with cost pressures? When will additional support be brought forward?
Our analysis of cost increases facing schools is published annually in the school costs note. Last published was March, with 97% of academy trusts and 92% of local authority maintained schools being in surplus or breaking even at year-end.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide timeline for additional support; only referenced previous publication dates.
Response accuracy