Decision

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People has decided to approve the High Needs Budget for 2024/25, despite a funding gap of £6.5 million.

Analysis

outcome: The High Needs Budget of £29.7 million for 2024/25 was recommended for approval by the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.

summary: The decision at stake is the approval of the High Needs Budget for 2024/25 as recommended by Schools Forum.

topline: The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People has decided to approve the High Needs Budget for 2024/25, despite a funding gap of £6.5 million.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves a significant funding gap of £6.5 million for 2024/25, which could impact services for children and young people with high needs.

affected_stakeholders: ["Children and young people with high needs", "Schools Forum", "Budget Working Group"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=10086

Decision Maker: Cabinet member children and young people

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To approve the High Needs Budget for 2024/25 as recommended by Schools Forum.

Content: To approve the High Needs Budget for 2024/25 as recommended by Schools Forum. That the Forum: a)    Notes the High Needs forecast outturn position for 2023/24;   b)    Notes the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) allocation for 2024/25 for the Schools, High Needs and Early Years blocks:   c)    Considers the recommendations of the Budget Working Group (BWG) held on 11 March 2024; and   d)    Recommends a High Needs Budget of £29.7 million for 2024/25 for approval by the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People as set out in Appendix 1, noting the funding gap in 2024/25 of £6.5 million.     1.    The Budget Working Group (BWG) has been consulted on the proposed budget plan and options considered are included at Appendix 2. The Children and Families Act (2014) requires the council to ensure that the needs of pupils are met and the council is required to adhere to the Department for Education (DfE) prescribed arrangements for school and Local Authority as set out in regulations. No alternative options were identified.

Date of Decision: May 1, 2024