Contact: Michelle Smith, ext 6666

1 Summary

This report sets out the budget of the Committee as required by the Schools' Standards and Framework Act 1998.

2 Introduction

The Schools' Standards and Framework Act requires all Local Education Authorities to set up School Organisation Committees and give then an operational budget to cover running expenses.

3 Budget

The budget is set to cover travel expenses to committee members and for subsistence and loss of earnings allowances of those able to claim. It is set on the assumption that there will be a maximum of four meetings in the year. In 2000/2001 the budget was set at £3,100. Actual expenditure in the year was approximately £2,337. The difference reflects an underspend on travel and subsistence offset by a payment of £1,060 for independent advice in relation to Kings School and £750 on printing and stationery.

Using the same basis of calculation, the original budget approved for the current year is £3,200 and this will be used as the basis for the budget for 2002/3 with inflation to be added at the appropriate time.

As in the previous year, there is no specific allowance for independent advice. Should this be required, it can be reviewed for future years if it cannot be contained within the existing budget.

4 Recommendation

That the Committee is asked to submit to the County Council this statement of the estimated expenses of the Committee for approval.