Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

School Budgets and Costs to Parents

Monday 24 October 2022 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department is closely monitoring cost pressures on schools.
  • The Government has committed 7 billion through the spending review until 2024-25, including 5 billion for catch-up funding.
  • The Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021 aims to reduce uniform costs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green
Education Economy
Context

The National Association of Headteachers survey indicates that 90% of schools anticipate running out of funds by the end of the next academic year due to increasing cost pressures.

Question

What recent assessment has been made by the Department regarding the impact of inflation on school budgets and associated costs for parents? Data from a National Association of Headteachers survey shows that 90% of schools expect to run out of money. School debt is rising, demands are increasing, and the energy crisis exacerbates funding issues in education.

Answer from Jonathan Gullis

The Department is closely monitoring cost pressures on schools. A £4 billion increase in core school funding through the 2021 spending review package supports schools, alongside the energy bill relief scheme. The Government provides over £37 billion to assist families directly with household expenses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address how specific schools will afford to deliver standards and support despite financial constraints.

How: Under Review, Working Closely With Stakeholders

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Q2 Bambos Charalambous Lab Southgate and Wood Green
Education
Context

Headteachers in Southgate and Wood Green report escalating school debt, increasing demands, and financial pressures exacerbated by the energy crisis.

Question

Given that 90% of schools expect to run out of money by next year, how does the Government plan for schools in my constituency to deliver standards and provide additional support when they cannot afford basic operations?

Answer from Jonathan Gullis

The Government has committed £7 billion through the spending review until 2024-25, including £5 billion for catch-up funding to support disadvantaged pupils in tutoring and learning recovery post-pandemic. The Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021 aims to reduce uniform costs. The Minister is willing to meet with the hon. Gentleman and local headteachers to discuss additional support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response did not provide a specific plan for Southgate and Wood Green's schools to manage financial difficulties while delivering standards.

How: Under Review, Taking Seriously

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