Covid-19 Support for Schools 2021-02-22
2021-02-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Local authorities are providing financial support to schools dealing with the costs of making their sites covid secure and lost income from lettings and fundraising.
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Department for Education on providing financial support by local authorities for schools during the covid-19 outbreak?
We regularly engage with the Department for Education on matters relating to local authorities' finances. We have provided £4.6 billion of un-ringfenced funds to councils to manage a range of covid-19-related pressures. The DFE has already distributed £102 million for exceptional covid-related costs incurred by schools and will shortly process claims made in December.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Many primary schools in Twickenham are struggling with the costs of making their sites safe during the pandemic and lost income from lettings and fundraising. The Department for Education has not reimbursed a lot of these costs.
Will the Minister be making funds available to local authorities specifically to support schools in need? If not, will he issue guidance on the use of existing covid funding to local authorities?
Local authorities are projected to spend £6.9 billion on covid-related pressures this year. We have already provided them with £8 billion of support and we have confirmed a total of £11 billion of support. Richmond has received £12.5 million from the un-ringfenced funds for local priorities, including schools. Councils are best placed to understand their populations' needs.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm making specific funds available for schools in need or issue guidance on existing funding use.
Response accuracy