§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received from headteachers in Barnet on their ability(a) to set a standstill budget this year and (b) to fund the work/life balance reforms due this autumn; and if he will make a statement. [109187]
§ Mr. Miliband[holding answer 14 April 2003]: The Department has received a number of representations from headteachers and governors of schools in Barnet expressing concern regarding the budget allocations they have received from their local education authority. Among these, some have raised related issues such as the lack of sufficient funding to enable other school staff to support teachers. I understand that although the London borough of Barnet has increased its schools budget by 11 per cent, or £17 million the individual schools budget has only been increased by 7.8 per cent, or £10.5 million. Schools that followed earlier advice on freeing teachers from administrative duties should find that implementing the commitments on school workforce reform this autumn makes no additional demand on their resources. Other schools, working where necessary with fellow schools and their LEA, should aim to follow their example.