Education cuts predicted £4m. overspend by £400,000

Education, Sport & Culture is in line for a £3.4m. overspend this year, but this is down by £400,000 after action taken since the new committee took office in February.

It has now announced more savings to come next year from changes at its central office where the number of roles has been reduced and others restructured.

‘As a result of the significant predicted overspend the committee inherited, regaining control over the budget continues to be a priority,' said president Deputy Matt Fallaize

‘At the time the committee was elected in February, it faced a predicted overspend of nearly £4m. for 2018. By the end of this year the committee anticipates having reduced this sum by £400,000 or more.

‘Then the efficiency savings by restructuring the Education Office will be realised from 2019.

‘In its 2019 Budget submission, the committee will outline a clear plan to bring its budget back into balance in the medium term.

‘We have consistently said that we are not prepared to meet our budget challenges by making short-term cuts or indeed any cuts which are detrimental to our core services in education, sport and culture.

‘We will meet them by long-term transformation, including reforming secondary and post-16 education, reducing the States’ contribution to the grant-aided colleges, restructuring the Education Office and wherever possible implementing recommendations included in last year’s PwC benchmarking review.

‘The announcement regarding significant six-figure savings generated via the restructuring of the Education Office confirms that substantial progress is being made. While there has been some staff movement to other committee areas, the majority of the savings are to the long-term benefit of the States as a whole.

‘The committee recognises that this has been a challenging period for some staff working within the Education Office. However, the committee believes the changes were necessary and is delighted with the progress made.’

Gus Paterson, who is leaving his role as chief secretary in September, said reforming the staff structure had been a priority for him when taking on the role.

‘While the review of staff structure was undoubtedly unsettling for some colleagues, I believe the changes will stand my successor and the committee in good stead as they carry out their large and important mandate.’

Policy & Resources president Gavin St Pier said: ‘The changes, which have been achieved in a relatively short timeframe, highlight the commitment of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture to improve its financial position – and that can only be welcomed.’