Agenda item

Jane Seymour introduced the report (Agenda Item 7), which set out the current financial position of the high needs budget for 2022/23 and the position as far as it could be predicted for 2023/24, including the likely shortfall.

Jane Seymour reported that the report would be very familiar to members of the Forum as the information had been presented on a number of occasions. The report set out the final position of the High Needs Block (HNB) for the next financial year as far as it could be predicted. It was possible that there could still be some changes. The net shortfall in the 2023-24 HNB budget, was £9,548,144.  This included a predicted 22/23 overspend of £2,858,901 and carried forward overspends of £3,596,982 from previous years. Without the carried forward overspends, the shortfall in 23-24 would be £3,092,261.

Jane Seymour reported that the reason why these figures were slightly higher than at previous meetings was because there was a requirement, under the minimum funding guarantee, to passport an increase of 3.4 percent to special schools. There was also additional funding included for the pupil referral unit, in line with the proposal which was due to be discussed later on the agenda. There were also some additional costs in relation to additional placements since the figures were initially presented.

Gemma Piper queried how many additional placements had been awarded since November 2022, when the report was last presented, and since factored onto the figures. Jane Seymour reported that she would have to check the exact numbers. It was not a huge number however, it needed to be kept in mind that one placement could cost over £100k per annum so could make a significant difference. 

Reverend Mark Bennet was aware that schools were under increasing pressure with regards to additional needs. He asked if there was any intelligence from schools that informed forward thinking on the number of places that might be required. Jane Seymour reported that this was being looked at as part of the SEND strategy review, which was taking place currently. The data gathered would be used to provide a pattern of provision needed going forward to meet needs over the next five years.

The recommendation was that the Schools’ Forum approved the HNB budget for 2023/24. Catie Colston proposed that the HNB budget 2023/24 was approved and this was seconded by Maria Morgan. The Chair invited the Forum to vote on the proposal and at the vote the motion was approved.

RESOLVED that:

• Jane Seymour would check the number of placements that had been awarded since the last report was brought to the Forum in November 2022 and factored into the figures.
• The HNB Budget for 2023/24 was approved by the Schools’ Forum.