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Camden News - by DAN CARRIER
Published: 12 February 2009

Schools to ‘give back’ surplus cash

SCHOOLS across the borough are being asked to hand back cash to the Town Hall if they fail to spend all of their budgets by the end of the financial year.
Around £1million has not been spent by 21 schools across the borough.
The view from the council is that if the schools aren’t spending the money being given to them, then it should be sent elsewhere.
It is believed some schools have underspent by as much as £100,000 – but governors will argue they are being punished for good management and long-term planning.
Under council guidelines, primaries can hold back up to 8 per cent of their annual budgets, while secondaries are allowed to make 5 per cent savings.
Dorothea Hackman, head of the Joint Chairs and Governors group, told the New Journal that she expected 20 schools from 21 to appeal against the council’s demands – leading to more officials’ time being spent on sorting out individual cases.
She added: “This will mean nothing but time, money and irritation. It may be the case that schools are saving up for certain projects.”
A council press official said: “Discussions are being held with each school and no funds have yet been taken away from schools. Decisions will be taken by the end of February. Where schools have an excess balance, it will be taken back and reinvested in schools for the benefit of pupils.”

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