The Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) recommended that the Children’s Services OSC reassure themselves of the charges to schools which were above the 2.4% inflationary rate and discuss the rationale behind some of the increases. The Executive approved the charges at their meeting on 05 February 2019.

The Assistant Director for Education introduced a report which set out recent increases in traded services to schools and academies, highlighting that concerns had been raised by Members of the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding those prices which were above the rate of inflation. Members were advised that the method of reporting would change in the future and they would be appraised of any changes as necessary.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary:-

·         A need to consider costs as well as income, ensuring that appropriate detail be provided within future reports.

·         The importance of music provision in schools and whether all schools could provide musical instruments given the high costs involved. In response it was confirmed that the uptake of music lessons was high among pupils across the region and grants were available to schools if they wished to apply.

·         That many traded services to schools were statutory and there was a need to meet the costs involved whilst not making a profit.

NOTED the report and that Members were reassured that those items above the level of inflation were justified.

At the end of the meeting the Chairman thanked outgoing parent governor co-optee Mrs E Rowlands for her exemplary attendance record and invaluable input to the Committee over her four-year tenure.