§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the financial arrangements to be made available to schools in Scotland which opt for self-governing status.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythSelf-governing schools will be directly funded by the Secretary of State in accordance with arrangements to be laid down in financial regulations and to be expressed in subsidiary agreements between the Secretary of State and such schools. These regulations and agreements will cover questions such as determination of grant, the timing and manner of payments, the arrangements for accounts and audits, and other requirements to be met to secure the payment of grant.
Self-governing schools will be able to use the resources allotted on their behalf at their own discretion; this should ensure that substantial additional resources will reach the classroom to the benefit of pupils.
Self-governing schools will get their capital funding direct from the Secretary of State instead of being subject to the priorities applied by an education authority.