Scottish Government Consultation On Devolving Finances Directly To Schools
18th June 2017
Greater direct control of funding by schools will help improve education, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said as he called for parents, teachers and young people to have their say in revamping the way schools are funded.
Speaking the day after he announced sweeping new powers for schools, Mr Swinney said it was crucial that funding decisions are taken by those who know children best and know where the funding will have the biggest impact.
A formal consultation has been launched on proposals for a fair funding system that will empower schools to better target resources, to raise attainment and close the poverty-related gap.
The DFM said:"We want far more decisions on school funding to be in the hands of those with the expertise and insight to target resources at the greatest need - the schools themselves. They know our children best and know what will best improve Scottish education. That is why we think much greater financial control should rest with teachers, parents and schools.
"This is a key part of this Government's reforms - but we want to know what parents, teachers and young people themselves think is the best way to achieve this.
"We are already giving £120 million Pupil Equity Funding directly to head teachers to tackle the poverty-related attainment gap in their schools. But the way local authorities currently allocate their £5 billion annual education spend is complex, lacks transparency and varies from council to council.
"We do not intend to develop a fixed, national formula but greater clarity and consistency is required to make sure funding goes where it is most needed.
“In our consultation, we have set out two options for a fair funding system that will devolve more control over finances to schools. These are bold and ambitious reforms and I would urge everyone with an interest to have their say before the closing date of 13 October 2017."
The Fair funding to achieve excellence and equity in education consultation proposes two possible approaches for a fair and more transparent funding model:
Enshrining a national approach to the devolution of funding within the new Headteachers' Charter; and/ or
Through increased targeting of elements of funding, building on the Pupil Equity Funding approach
To see the consultation proposals go to
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/06/2057
Related Businesses
Related Articles
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time. It is not intended to imply that any individual route is entirely snow and ice free and drivers must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling.
Households across Scotland have received £4.1 billion in relief since the Council Tax Reduction scheme was introduced in 2013. People on low incomes are eligible for the benefit if they live in Scotland - there is no equivalent in England where most councils require each household to contribute a minimum amount of council tax, irrespective of ability to do so.
The Highland Council is preparing to carry out improvement works in Thurso at Ormlie Road and at The Mall riverside path adjacent to Janet Street. The scope of works on Ormlie Road will include junction improvements between Castlegreen Road and Juniper Drive with new drop kerbs and tactile paving and some surface repairs.
A Highland-wide partnership launched earlier in 2024 to support people on their journey towards, into and within employment is looking forward to a New Year in 2025 full of exciting opportunities designed to help hundreds more people across the Highlands unlock their work potential. Work.
The Highland Council is delighted to share that its Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme has won the Outstanding Project Award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards. Described by Scottish Renewables as a "pioneering clean power scheme", this £7 million project demonstrates the incredible impact that can be achieved through combined public and private sector investment.
The ambitious yet focused ‘Highland Investment Plan' is committed to addressing our asset challenges over the next twenty years. By using a place based approach, to ensure a more integrated community offering through the creation of new community facilities.
Applications to the Inverness Winter Payments Scheme, which is fully funded by the Inverness Common Fund, have already been awarded to 1,035 eligible households within the 7 specified Inverness Wards. Leader of Inverness Area, Councillor Ian Brown said: "Since the Scheme was opened to applications for this winter, already £114,885 has been awarded to people who live in the eligible Wards of Aird and Loch Ness, Inverness West, Inverness Central, Inverness Ness-side, Inverness Millburn, Culloden and Ardersier and Inverness South Wards.
The first Highland-wide virtual jobs fair held last month has proved to be a hit with participants and businesses. The week-long virtual event, which was delivered by the Local Employability Partnership for the West - The Highland Council, Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Department for Work and Pensions, Developing the Young Workforce and UHI North West and Hebrides was timed to coincide with Scottish Careers Week 2024.
