Two years as budgets at breaking-point – expert

A recent report into Powys’ education finance by the Wales Audit Office highlighted how the council faces “significant challenges to deliver an affordable and sustainable education service and halt the projected substantial decline in schools’ financial health”.

John Morris, chairman of the Powys Audit Committee, said: “A joint working group will look at the present financial viability within schools and projections for the next three years.

“This is a very serious financial issue for the authority which if not addressed has the potential to put both schools and the authority at severe financial risk.

“We are awaiting a policy direction from the new portfolio-holder and cabinet on the future shape of our schools and education provision across Powys.”

The working group will look first at secondary school budgets as many are showing large and increasing deficits, the council said.

The group will interview head teachers, heads of governors and officers, among others.

Pete Roberts, chairman of the scrutiny committee covering education, said: “We need to understand how the curriculum is being delivered across our schools and see if our students are getting the breath of subjects in the most financially efficient way.

“We also need to explore staffing structures and how efficiently staff are being used in the classroom.”

Tim Pratt, ASCL Cymru director, estimated 75% of secondary schools in Wales are in deficit: “The situation in Powys does not surprise me. I think within two years we will be in a situation where schools in Wales are bust and don’t have enough money to run.

“There is not enough money coming in. Schools have trimmed back as far as they can. By the time money has come from England and gone through Cardiff Bay and they have taken money for administration and then the 22 local authorities and four consortia take out money, what is left for schools?”

The NAHT Cymru called for “an open, honest national debate on school funding in Wales”.

“If the cake is not big enough in the first place, it does not matter how you slice it, it will always be too small.

“We know many schools are losing staff as a result of challenging budgets – this cannot be good for pupils and will undoubtedly threaten the success of the current reforms across Wales.”

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Local authorities in Wales have the flexibility to set appropriate budgets for the needs of their communities.

“However, funding for schools is up. Last year we delivered an extra £35m to councils for schools services.

“Data published this month shows the funding delegated to schools has increased from £2.123bn last year to £2.142bn this year.

“We are also committed to spending an extra £100m over the Assembly term to raise standards.”