Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

School Budgets: Impact of Inflation

Monday 4 July 2022 · 7 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 7 Not answered 0

Key points

  • School funding increased by 4 billion this year, a 7% per pupil boost in cash terms.
  • The Minister offered to meet Diana R. Johnson to discuss potential emergency funding and support for Hall Road Primary School.
  • Local headteachers are facing rising energy and staffing costs, and the Department helps schools manage these through resource management tools.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Education Economy
Context

Inflation is affecting UK schools, prompting concerns about budget adequacy.

Question

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?

Answer from Robin Walker

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify how the Department assesses the impact of inflation on school budgets specifically, only general statements about rising costs and funding increases.

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Q2 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Education Energy
Context

Hall Road Primary School, built in the 1920s, faces rising energy costs and needs emergency funding or a new school building.

Question

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?

Answer from Robin Walker

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to meeting or providing emergency funding directly; only general statements on investment and support.

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Q3 Holly Lynch Lab
Education Economy Energy
Context

Headteachers report significant increases in staffing, gas, and electricity costs due to inflation.

Question

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?

Answer from Robin Walker

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific dilemma headteachers face or provide guidance; only mentioned general cost-saving measures.

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Q4 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Education Economy
Context

Schools are limiting healthy meal options due to budget constraints caused by inflation.

Question

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?

Answer from Robin Walker

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific issue of school meals, only provided general information on funding increases and deprivation targeting.

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Q5 Jacob Young
Education
Context

There are not enough secondary school places for children in the TS6 postcode area of Teesside.

Question

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?

Answer from Robin Walker

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific actions or timelines; only offered a meeting.

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Q6 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Education Taxation
Context

Colleges in the constituency cannot claim back VAT on supplies and services, unlike academies.

Question

Will the Minister speak with officials to consider allowing colleges to claim back VAT on supplies and services?

Answer from Robin Walker

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific action on VAT reclaim; only referenced another minister's potential involvement.

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Q7 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Education Energy
Context

Energy prices are doubling, putting children's learning at risk.

Question

Will the Minister publish the results of his Department's survey on school experiences with cost pressures? When will additional support be brought forward?

Answer from Robin Walker

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide timeline for additional support; only referenced previous publication dates.

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