Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Schools: Covid-19 Costs

Monday 12 October 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Schools have continued to receive core funding and can claim funds for exceptional costs incurred due to the covid-19 outbreak.
  • Schools can claim up to 75,000 for exceptional costs from March to July, with examples given of two schools applying for funds.
  • The Government has committed to a three-year funding settlement for schools, with an additional 2.6 billion in funding this year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Education
Context

Schools have incurred additional costs due to the pandemic, such as PPE expenses and increased cleaning procedures.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with school leaders regarding financial support for additional costs incurred by schools during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Nick Gibb

Schools have continued to receive core funding and have been able to claim funds to meet certain exceptional costs between March and July. The Department regularly meets school leaders on covid-19 issues, including costs faced by schools.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP sought specific details of recent discussions, but the answer only provided general information without concrete specifics or commitments.

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Q2 Anthony Mangnall
Education
Context

Headteachers are alarmed about the financial strain caused by purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Question

What measures is he taking to assure headteachers that their budgets will not be depleted and they can recoup losses from PPE spending?

Answer from Nick Gibb

Schools have continued to receive core funding and should use it for their covid-19 expenditure. They can also claim up to £75,000 for exceptional costs from March to July. Brixham College and King Edward VI Community College have applied for funds.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP sought assurance on budgetary support specifically addressing PPE spending, but the answer only provided general information without specific commitment or action.

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Q3 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Education
Context

Schools face ongoing costs due to cleaning, safety measures, and lost income streams from events. Budgets were already strained before the pandemic.

Question

Will he commit to providing extra funding for schools in the coming months given these continuing financial pressures?

Answer from Nick Gibb

This year marks a three-year funding settlement for schools, with £2.6 billion more funding this year. In Ellie Reeves' constituency, pupil-led funding will rise by 2.2% this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for additional funds for ongoing costs due to the pandemic, but the answer provided general information about overall funding increases without specific commitment to future needs.

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Q4 Margaret Greenwood Lab
Education
Context

Schools have submitted claims for £148 million in additional costs but only received £58 million. Concern about future funding needs.

Question

Why is the Government ignoring requests for resources to cover continuing costs from September onwards and when will they address these needs?

Answer from Nick Gibb

Schools have been able to claim for exceptional covid-related costs between March and July. The focus now is on catch-up funding, with £650 million distributed per pupil basis to all schools, plus the three-year funding settlement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP sought recognition of ongoing needs from September onwards but received information about past claims and future priorities without specific commitment.

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