Contact: Michelle Smith e-mail [email protected] ext 01962 846666

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 them an operational budget to cover running expenses.

3 Budget

The budget is set to cover travel expenses of committee Members and for subsistence and loss of earnings for those allowed to claim. It is set on the basis that there will be a maximum of four meetings in the year. In 2003-04 the budget was set at £3,400. Actual expenditure for the year to date is £2,150 although this may change slightly as the accounts for the year have not been finalised.

Using the same basis of calculation as in previous years, the budget for the current year 2004-05 has been set at £3,500. As in previous years there is no specific allowance for independent advice. Should this be required it can be reviewed for future years if it is not possible for it to be contained within the existing budget.

4 Recommendation

To agree the proposed statement of the estimated expenses of the Committee which the Committee will then submit to the County Council for approval.