§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the extra funds for schools for books and equipment will be paid. [118368]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisMy right hon. Friend laid a special grant report before the House on 6 April, under section 88B of the Local Government Act 1988. Once approved, it will empower him to make payments to local authorities on condition that they pass those payments to schools, within a specified time period. It is expected that payments will be made to schools in May. The funds are not specifically for books and equipment, but may be used by schools for any purpose.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how the money for books and equipment announced by the Chancellor in the Budget42W Statement will be paid to schools that do not maintain a bank account separate from the local education authority. [118369]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe funding will be paid to local authorities on condition they make it available for use by such schools. Regulations will be made that will require local education authorities to increase the budgets of all their schools by the amounts of grant indicated in special grant report No. 61. My right hon. Friend is minded to direct all local authorities to make available these sums within seven days of the budget increases required by the regulations. The funds are not specifically for books and equipment, but may be used by schools for any purpose.