[To approve methodology of implementation of the National Funding Formula.]

Debra Boniface, Finance Manager presented the Consultation on Schools’ Funding Formula 2020 – 2021 report. The report outlined that, in October 2019, the Department for Education published indicative funding levels for 2020-2021 Dedicated Schools Grant (Schools Block) (DSG). 

The report outlined the options available for application of the National Funding Formula (NFF) to Wolverhampton schools in 2020-2021.

Also provided for consideration within the report was an illustration of the various options available and the outcomes predicted for each scenario.

It was noted that engagement in the consultation had been low despite extra efforts to publicise and inform schools of the possible outcomes. It was thought that if headteachers of schools did not believe their school to be affected, they did not participate. It was clarified that the NFF may affect most schools.

Members of Schools’ Forum were asked to register a vote representing their school’s cohort to:

a.    To agree or disagree with the implementation of the NFF Factor rates.

b.    To agree or disagree with the introduction of a mobility factor

c.    To choose a preferred approach to the methodology - option A or option B as outlined at paragraph 2.6 of the report.

It was clarified that only maintained primary and secondary school and academy representatives could register a vote and that members were registering their vote for the sector they represented and not their individual school.

12 votes were registered to agree with the implementation of the NFF factor rates. 0 votes were registered against and the vote was carried to agree the implementation of the NFF factor rates.

12 votes were registered to agree with the with the introduction of a mobility factor. 0 votes were registered against and the vote was carried to agree the introduction of a mobility factor.

9 votes were registered to approve the Option B methodology. 3 votes were registered to approve the Option A methodology. The vote was carried in favour of Option B and Schools’ Forum agreed to:

9 votes were registered to approve the Option B methodology. 3 votes were registered to approve the Option A methodology. The vote was carried in favour of Option B and Schools’ Forum agreed to:

Apply the maximum possible MFG rate, by reducing the Cap rate. By applying the maximum possible MFG (1.84%), a lower Cap rate is required.  It had been outlined in the report that with this option, all schools will gain the maximum level of increased funding through the MFG calculation, with those gaining the most, having their gains capped. Using this methodology, 19 schools would not receive their full NFF allocation.

Resolved:

1.    That the outcomes of the consultation be noted.

2.    That the implications of the impact of the various options for all schools in Wolverhampton be noted.

3.    That members of Schools’ Forum agree:

a.     the implementation of the NFF Factor rates.

b.     the introduction of a mobility factor

c.      to apply the maximum possible MFG rate, by reducing the Cap rate.

4.    That the funding formula for 2020-2021 be agreed.