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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION BY DEPUTY S.Y. MÉZEC OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 14TH JUNE 2016
Question
Following his answer to Question 9396 on 26th April 2016, in which the Minister said "a small adjustment to the formula for calculating the States grant to the fee-paying schools is under consideration", how much of a saving is he planning to achieve from this adjustment and how does he plan to reallocate the money so saved?
Answer
The Education Department constantly reviews expenditure and priorities in order to address the additional demand for services from a growing population, to invest in improving standards and to ensure available funding is focussed on the young people who are most in need.
The Department is one of the priority areas identified by the Council of Ministers in the States Strategic Plan, and as such is receiving almost £11 million of additional annual funding by 2019. However we are all seeking savings through sustainable efficiencies, service redesign and cost reductions in order to achieve a balanced budget by 2019. As the Department has statutory duties to meet and a budget largely taken up by paying front-line teachers and other staff, there is limited room for manoeuvre. All areas have been under consideration and, where possible, Lean techniques and technology have been used to streamline and improve services. The Department has also been exploring new partnerships with the voluntary, community and business sectors to secure the best possible outcomes for young people.
Finalised proposals for savings and investment contained in the Medium Term Financial Plan addition are due to be lodged with the States Assembly on Thursday 30 June when details of all savings will be available. In the meantime, the Education Department can confirm that its aim has been to affect the lowest numbers possible and any savings, while necessary, have been kept to a minimum.