Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 05/03/2021
This decision will be taken under urgency procedures.
Reason for urgency:
The need to undertake relevant preparatory work as soon as possible, combined with the pre-election period, prevented this decision from being published on the FED for the normal 28 days. The minimum 5 clear days notice is provided.
Decision due: 15 Mar 2021 by Cabinet
Lead director: Matt Dunkley CBE
Contact: David Adams, Assistant Director Education (South Kent) Email: david.adams@kent.gov.uk Tel: 01233 898559.
Consultees
No Cabinet Committee consultation due to the urgency process.
However, to recognise the unique circumstances and the importance of providing a broader view of the membership of the Council, the Leaders of the Opposition parties have been invited to attend and speak at Cabinet on 15 March 2021.
Any comments supplied by other non-executive members prior to the decision being taken will also be noted as part of the decision-making process.
Financial implications: Spend from available funding via normal Officer delegation arrangements will support and facilitate the establishment phase of the Programme, with detailed funding allocation and arrangements to be confirmed in the later separate key decision to implement the full scoped project. Grant funding is being made available by the DfE for the HAF element of this planned decision. This will amount to £5.3m for Kent in total. Planned delivery will need to take place within this funding envelope. The DfE has confirmed that up to 10% i.e., £530k of the available grant can be used to meet the additional costs that Local Authorities may incur in administering the scheme. In light of this there are no revenue budget implications for KCC.
Legal implications: Normal governance and legal arrangements will apply to the establishment of the Programme, with detailed consideration of wider implications planned for the future significant key decision for implementation of the Programme. HAF element: a) The DfE will require the Section 151 Officer to confirm at the end of each financial year that the funding has been properly expended. b) The Authority will not overspend on the Programme, over and above their maximum funding allocation, without the prior written approval of the DfE. Unauthorised overspends will not be reimbursed by the DfE. c) The Authority must maintain reliable, accessible and up to date accounting records with an adequate audit trail for all expenditure funded by grant monies under this Determination.
Equalities implications: A programme level EQIA will be developed alongside the formation of the programme. HAF element: As previously indicated the conditions of the grant require KCC to ensure that delivered activity is inclusive and accessible to all eligible children. As KCC’s commissioned provider TEP are currently undertaking the EqIA screening in line with KCC policy.