Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 29, 2025

Purpose: Cabinet will be asked to approve the distribution and use of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2025/26. The council receives an annual grant from the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to fund the delivery of: • Mainstream Primary and Secondary School Education. • Early Years entitlements for 2-year-olds and 3–4 year-olds. • Central Services to support the delivery of local authority statutory responsibilities for the local education system • Delivery of services and support for children and young people with SEND and additional education needs. In 2024/25 the DSG provided to deliver these services totalled £644.898m. Consultation will be undertaken with the local Schools Forum ahead of proposals to Cabinet to ensure the education system has been consulted on key decisions relating to the distribution of funding.

Content: Cllr Stephen Davies, on behalf of Cllr Philip Robinson, Cabinet approval for use of the Dedicated Schools Grant in 2025-26. Cabinet was asked to approve the distribution and use of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for 2025/26.     Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and RESOLVED to:   Subject to approval at the final Council budget meeting on the 21st February 2025, approve  use of the Dedicated Schools Grant in 2025-26 as outlined in the paragraphs 80-86 of this report.